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Accused killer in Nevada Latter-day Saint meetinghouse shooting competent for trial

(Steve Ranson | Lahontan Valley News via AP, file) John K. O'Connor looks back before the judge reads an indictment in justice court, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in Fallon, Nev. O'Connor, a 48-year-old northern Nevada man accused of fatally shooting a fellow member of his congregation during Sunday services at a Latter-day Saint church has been indicted on murder, battery and assault charges.

(Steve Ranson | Lahontan Valley News via AP, file) John K. O'Connor looks back before the judge reads an indictment in justice court, Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in Fallon, Nev. O'Connor, a 48-year-old northern Nevada man accused of fatally shooting a fellow member of his congregation during Sunday services at a Latter-day Saint church has been indicted on murder, battery and assault charges.

By  The Associated Press
 | Sep. 17, 2019, 2:21 p.m.
| Updated: 3:23 p.m.

Fallon, Nev. • A northern Nevada man accused of a shooting at a rural Latter-day Saint meetinghouse that killed one man and wounded another during Sunday services has been ruled competent to stand trial.

KOLO-TV reports two psychologists testified Monday in Churchill District Court in Fallon that recent exams found John O'Connor competent to understand the process and charges against him.

A date for a preliminary hearing in hasn't been set.

O'Connor is charged with first-degree murder in the July 2018 killing of 61-year-old Charles "Bert" Miller, a longtime volunteer firefighter in Fallon. He's also accused of battery with a deadly weapon in the shooting of Miller's 64-year-old brother, Duane of Utah.

He’s been treated at a mental hospital in Sparks since last September when a judge found him incompetent. His lawyer said earlier he’s now able to assist in his own defense.


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By The Associated Press