SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - A judge has ordered a new competency examination for a northeastern Pennsylvania man charged in the death of a neighbor found slain in a bathtub at a housing project.
The (Scranton) Times-Tribune (https://bit.ly/2hTZRwP ) reports that a Lackawanna County judge agreed to the defense request after Joseph Thornton’s attorney said his mental health had deteriorated in custody.
Thornton is charged in the death of 29-year-old Stephanie Tyminski, who was found dead in a bathtub at Scranton’s Valley View Terrace in December 2014. Authorities said bloodstains were found in Thornton’s apartment and the victim had repeatedly rejected his advances.
Defense attorney Christopher Osborne said his client is “despondent” and “delusional.” First Assistant District Attorney Gene Riccardo said Thornton is refusing to take his medication, and the May trial may be delayed.
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Information from: The Times-Tribune, https://thetimes-tribune.com/
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