Posted: 7:38 AM May 11, 2012
Reporter: AP

HICKMAN, KY. (AP) -- A western Kentucky man charged with killing the mayor of Hickman is undergoing a mental competency evaluation before his case proceeds in court.

Dennis Null represents 30-year-old Thomas Lattus, who is charged with the Jan. 23 shooting of Hickman Mayor Charles Murphy. Null told The Paducah Sun Lattus is at the Kentucky Correctional
Psychiatric Center in LaGrange and the evaluation is expected to be done by Thursday. Null said an additional 30 days or more is still needed.

If Lattus is determined to be incompetent, he will not be allowed to stand trial under state law. Null said that he believes the referral to the KCPC was justified for Lattus, who police say showed signs of mental instability following the shooting.

Trial for Lattus is set for Sept. 10.

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