Man found competent for trial in shelter shootings
A city judge on Tuesday ruled that the man accused of killing one worker and wounding another at a North Philadelphia homeless shelter for men is competent to stand trial.
A city judge on Tuesday ruled that the man accused of killing one worker and wounding another at a North Philadelphia homeless shelter for men is competent to stand trial.
John Brock, 32, has been charged with murder, assault, and other crimes in the Jan. 17 slaying of Edward Barksdale, 43, and wounding of Lamond Barham, 26, at the Station House shelter, 2601 N. Broad St.
Although Brock surrendered to police the next day, the case against him became sidetracked when his lawyer, Debra Rainey, requested a mental health evaluation. The exam showed that Brock was competent to aid in his defense, and Municipal Court Judge James M. DeLeon on Tuesday allowed the case to proceed. DeLeon scheduled a preliminary hearing, at which the prosecution must present sufficient evidence to warrant a trial, for March 22.
Brock had been living at Station House since December, police have said, but shelter workers described him as a problem resident who was often intoxicated and fought with other men living there.
The day before the slaying, Brock was tossed from the shelter because he was high and acting in a violent manner, authorities have said. Police took him to a hospital for a mental health evaluation, but Brock was able to sign himself out.
At 6:15 a.m. the following day, police said, Brock returned to the shelter, made his way inside, and shot Barksdale five times. Police said he then chased after Barham and shot him in a hip.
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