CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The case on the deadly August 28th shooting was back in court on Tuesday.
The suspected shooter, who Carolina Week has chosen not to name, was set to appear in front of Orange County’s Superior Court on Tuesday morning. His defense attorneys appeared on his behalf.
The prosecutors in this case said they are still waiting for a second psychiatric evaluation of the suspect to be completed. During the suspect’s second court appearance in September, his defense said an evaluation they had conducted found him unfit to stand trial, prompting the prosecution to request a second psychiatric evaluation to be conducted at Central Regional Hospital in Butner, NC. Prosecutors hope to have the results of the second evaluation by the end of the week.
The suspect is charged with first-degree murder, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of the death penalty and a minimum sentence of life in prison without parole. The prosecution has said it will not be seeking the death penalty. The suspect is also charged with possession of a gun on educational property.
The weapon in the shooting has still not been found by police, and a motive has not been established. UNC Media Relations said this information would likely come out in future court proceedings.