A Third Judicial District Court has ruled the man charged in the deadly stabbing attack on the Louisiana Tech campus in November is competent to stand trial, according to reporting by KNOE TV.
Jacoby Johnson, a 23-year-old Tech student at the time of the attack, was previously indicted for second degree murder in the death of Annie Richardson and three counts of attempted second degree murder for the knife attacks on three other victims.
Two doctors conducted a sanity examination on Johnson. According to KNOE reporter Kyndall Jones, both doctors recommended that Johnson undergo further evaluation. However, the Court ruled Johnson was competent to stand trial and assist with his defense.
According to testimony, Johnson told the doctors he hears voices, prompting their recommendation for further evaluation. They told the court they could not determine definitively if Johnson does in fact hear voices, thus the need for more evaluation.
Johnson was slated to graduate from Louisiana Tech just days after he allegedly attacked four women outside the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center on November 13. A Louisiana Tech Police officer apprehended Johnson about a block from the scene just minutes after the attack was reported.
Pre-trial motions are scheduled for March 19. Johnson remains incarcerated at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center.
