I-Team: Accused cop killer sent for psych evaluation
*Attached video: Previous coverage on Delawnte Hardy
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Fox 8 I-Team has learned the man accused of killing a Cleveland police officer has been ordered to get a mental health evaluation.
Cuyahoga County prosecutors said Delawnte Hardy has been referred to the court psychiatric clinic.
Special prosecutor assigned in businessman Bobby George case
Just days ago, the I-Team reported that the Cleveland Municipal Court had been ordered to hand over records about the mental health of Hardy.
Months ago, a city judge found him incompetent to stand trial in another case.
Hardy faces a long list of charges after getting indicted for killing his grandmother and Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter. Police said he shot the officer on the Fourth of July.
Months ago, Cleveland Municipal Court found Hardy incompetent to stand trial in another case including charges of resisting arrest.
Browns trading kicker Cade York to Commanders for 7th round pick
The Court noted “illogical thoughts.” Now, Hardy is indicted for two murders.
Cuyahoga County prosecutors have demanded all of the Municipal Court’s mental health records on this suspect.
The I-Team revisited a question that was asked to Case Western Reserve University Law Professor Michael Benza. He was asked, “How can a guy not be competent? At the same time, he’s running from police and allegedly killing an officer?”
Michael Benza said, “Competency is a focus on what does the defendant’s mental state allow him to process now? Whereas, outside of the courtroom, he may be somewhat functioning, but still cannot be competent when it comes to the court proceedings.”
Victim in Browns Michael Hall Jr. case retains attorney
A County judge ordered the municipal court to turn over its records.
Those records and the new mental health evaluation could play a role in determining if Hardy stands trial in this case and if prosecutors decide to seek the death penalty.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.