Defense Plans to Contest Competency Finding for Homicide Suspect

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On Dec. 1, homicide defendant Huey Bandy’s defense attorneys announced that while he was found mentally competent, they may be challenging the decision. 

Bandy, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of 60-year-old Orlando Murphy. Allegedly, Bandy stabbed Murphy after being shown a video of Murphy sexually assaulting Bandy’s 18-year-old daughter. The incident occurred on June 7, 2022, at the 3600 block of Brothers Place, SE.

Bandy had previously been evaluated for mental competency, with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) declaring him competent. However, defense attorneys Christen Phillips and Sylvia Smith stated that they may be contesting the findings, depending on the results coming from their own expert. 

The mental observation hearing was continued for Jan. 22, 2024, where the defense will declare if they plan to contest competency.