By Associated Press - Wednesday, January 31, 2018

BRIGHTON, Colo. (AP) - A judge has ordered the man charged with fatally shooting three people at a Colorado Walmart to be evaluated by a state hospital to determine whether he is competent.

Scott Ostrem appeared in Adams County Court on Wednesday for a hearing on his request to represent himself. His attorneys oppose that request.

Adams County Judge Ted Tow said he’s concerned Ostrem doesn’t understand defense attorneys’ role.

KUSA-TV reports that Ostrem asked the judge whether the case would continue if he withdrew the request. Tow said he still wanted Ostrem to be evaluated.

Ostrem faces multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted-murder charges. Police have said he walked into the suburban Denver store on Nov. 1 and began shooting people near the checkout area.

Authorities have not released a motive.

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