CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AP) - A judge has found an eastern Ohio man competent to stand trial on charges alleging he raped and killed a pizza delivery driver and dumped her body at a state park.
The Daily Jeffersonian and WILE-FM in Cambridge report the judge concluded at Wednesday’s competency hearing that 32-year-old Adam Charles Burris understands the charges and can assist his defense attorneys.
Burris has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder, rape, kidnapping and aggravated robbery. Prosecutors have said they’ll seek the death penalty if he’s convicted of aggravated murder.
Authorities say 26-year-old Kayla Thompson didn’t return from a Dec. 26 delivery to Burris’ Cambridge home, about 80 miles east of Columbus. They say Burris later led them to her body.
The judge has issued a gag order for attorneys and court personnel.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.