DARLINGTON - A judge has found an Argyle teen competent to stand trial on felony homicide charges that he helped set a house fire that killed his three young nephews.
Jeremy Wand, 18, was evaluated in recent weeks by a state-appointed psychiatrist at the request of his attorney. Wand appeared in court during a competency hearing Thursday, Nov. 1.
The senior at Argyle High School doesn't have "even the slightest bit of difficulty" understanding legal concepts, said Dr. Craig Schoenecker, and he demonstrates "a substantial competency to understand court proceedings."
When asked, the teen affirmed that he considers himself competent.
"I understand what's going on," he told the Judge William Johnston.
Wand and his 32-year-old brother, Armin Wand III, have a preliminary hearing Nov. 13. They are accused of setting a Sept. 7 house fire on Oak Street in Argyle to cash in on the life insurance settlements of the older brother's family. The fire killed three boys, Allen, 7, Jeffery, 5, and Joseph "Jo Jo," 3, and severely burned their 27-year-old mother, Sharon Wand.
In a phone call to the court, Schoenecker ticked off evidence for Wand's competency, which he said is based on an in-person interview he had with Wand and on an analysis of school and court records.
According to Schoenecker, Wand has no psychological symptoms, memory problems or cognitive disabilities. During the interview at the jail, Wand behaved normally, was easy to understand, well-groomed and "sitting in a relaxed manner."
In discussing Wand's grasp of the charges against him, Schoenecker said Wand understands his plea options and plans to plead not guilty. During the evaluation, Wand shared with the doctor that he had been pressured into admitting to the charges and that evidence at the crime scene would corroborate the untruthfulness of the criminal complaint and "support his innocence."
In a discussion about his future goals, Wand told the doctor he was on schedule to graduate with his class in May 2013.
Defense attorney Frank Medina objected to the competency report and said he still has concerns about "how this young man thinks."
In cross-examination, he asked Schoenecker if he "noticed anything irregular" about Wand's appearance. Schoenecker said he did not.
Medina also questioned Schoenecker on why he didn't administer psychological tests on Wand.
The doctor responded that Wand hasn't historically been diagnosed as mentally retarded so he saw no reason to test him.
Medina asked the judge for a second competency evaluation but was denied.
"This is not about strategy. This is about making sure this young man gets a fair shot," Medina said.
Johnston ordered the case to proceed as planned.
Jeremy Wand, 18, was evaluated in recent weeks by a state-appointed psychiatrist at the request of his attorney. Wand appeared in court during a competency hearing Thursday, Nov. 1.
The senior at Argyle High School doesn't have "even the slightest bit of difficulty" understanding legal concepts, said Dr. Craig Schoenecker, and he demonstrates "a substantial competency to understand court proceedings."
When asked, the teen affirmed that he considers himself competent.
"I understand what's going on," he told the Judge William Johnston.
Wand and his 32-year-old brother, Armin Wand III, have a preliminary hearing Nov. 13. They are accused of setting a Sept. 7 house fire on Oak Street in Argyle to cash in on the life insurance settlements of the older brother's family. The fire killed three boys, Allen, 7, Jeffery, 5, and Joseph "Jo Jo," 3, and severely burned their 27-year-old mother, Sharon Wand.
In a phone call to the court, Schoenecker ticked off evidence for Wand's competency, which he said is based on an in-person interview he had with Wand and on an analysis of school and court records.
According to Schoenecker, Wand has no psychological symptoms, memory problems or cognitive disabilities. During the interview at the jail, Wand behaved normally, was easy to understand, well-groomed and "sitting in a relaxed manner."
In discussing Wand's grasp of the charges against him, Schoenecker said Wand understands his plea options and plans to plead not guilty. During the evaluation, Wand shared with the doctor that he had been pressured into admitting to the charges and that evidence at the crime scene would corroborate the untruthfulness of the criminal complaint and "support his innocence."
In a discussion about his future goals, Wand told the doctor he was on schedule to graduate with his class in May 2013.
Defense attorney Frank Medina objected to the competency report and said he still has concerns about "how this young man thinks."
In cross-examination, he asked Schoenecker if he "noticed anything irregular" about Wand's appearance. Schoenecker said he did not.
Medina also questioned Schoenecker on why he didn't administer psychological tests on Wand.
The doctor responded that Wand hasn't historically been diagnosed as mentally retarded so he saw no reason to test him.
Medina asked the judge for a second competency evaluation but was denied.
"This is not about strategy. This is about making sure this young man gets a fair shot," Medina said.
Johnston ordered the case to proceed as planned.