The attorney for a man accused of killing his neighbor has asked the court for a competency evaluation of his client.
Raymond “Dale” Maloney, age 78 of LaHarpe, has been charged with first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement in the May 3 death of Richard Diehl, 68.
Diehl’s body was found at a workshop at his home in rural LaHarpe; Maloney was arrested three days later.
A family member told the Register Maloney had been battling dementia.
On June 1, Maloney’s attorney, Daniel Schowengert, asked the court for an evaluation to determine if Maloney is competent to stand trial.
The court authorized Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center to evaluate and prepare such a report within 90 days. If the mental health center’s director recommends an evaluation by a state hospital, Maloney could be taken to Larned State Hospital for the examination.
A status conference for the case is scheduled for June 29 in Allen County District Court.
If found competent and convicted, Maloney could face a sentence of life in prison.
