His condition will be reevaluated later this month
MADISON (AP) - A Waukesha man charged in the deaths of three retired farmers in southern Wisconsin was ordered confined to a mental institution Thursday after a judge determined he wasn't competent to stand trial.
Jaren Kuester, 31, faces five felonies, including three counts of first-degree intentional homicide, in the April deaths of Gary and Chloe Thoreson and Gary Thoreson's brother, Dean Thoreson. The Wisconsin State Journal reported the three were beaten to death on Gary and Chloe Thoreson's farm near Wiota.
Kuester's parents have said previously they tried to get their son help before the slayings because he was delusional and they feared he would hurt someone.
Kuester's attorney Guy Taylor said he was surprised by the judge's decision because Kuester's mental health had been improving with new medication. Taylor said he thought the commitment would likely be temporary.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge William Foust has scheduled a November conference to reevaluate Kuester's condition.
"I fully expect that on Nov. 25, there will be something to act upon," Taylor said. "Jaren's an agreeable fellow. He's easy to talk to. He's cooperating and working with the staff at Mendota."
Before the change in medication, Kuester had been despondent and uncooperative, his lawyer added.
According to police reports, extra help had been ordered at the Lafayette County Jail when Kuester was held there because of his strength and mixed martial arts training. Lafayette County District Attorney Kate Findley described Kuester as one of the most dangerous prisoners held at the jail.
MADISON (AP) - A Waukesha man charged in the deaths of three retired farmers in southern Wisconsin was ordered confined to a mental institution Thursday after a judge determined he wasn't competent to stand trial.
Jaren Kuester, 31, faces five felonies, including three counts of first-degree intentional homicide, in the April deaths of Gary and Chloe Thoreson and Gary Thoreson's brother, Dean Thoreson. The Wisconsin State Journal reported the three were beaten to death on Gary and Chloe Thoreson's farm near Wiota.
Kuester's parents have said previously they tried to get their son help before the slayings because he was delusional and they feared he would hurt someone.
Kuester's attorney Guy Taylor said he was surprised by the judge's decision because Kuester's mental health had been improving with new medication. Taylor said he thought the commitment would likely be temporary.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge William Foust has scheduled a November conference to reevaluate Kuester's condition.
"I fully expect that on Nov. 25, there will be something to act upon," Taylor said. "Jaren's an agreeable fellow. He's easy to talk to. He's cooperating and working with the staff at Mendota."
Before the change in medication, Kuester had been despondent and uncooperative, his lawyer added.
According to police reports, extra help had been ordered at the Lafayette County Jail when Kuester was held there because of his strength and mixed martial arts training. Lafayette County District Attorney Kate Findley described Kuester as one of the most dangerous prisoners held at the jail.