Miss-Delectable
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 17,160
- Reaction score
- 7
http://www.wvec.com/news/local/stories/wvec_local_040606_martinez_rape_murder_update.b7a09dc.html
A man whose communication abilities are impaired because he can't hear or speak might be unable to develop the required skills needed to stand trial on capital murder charges in the rape and murder of a 16-year-old James City County girl.
Brittany Binger was found dead on January 3.
At a hearing Wednesday, a clinical psychologist who has examined Oswaldo Martinez testified that Martinez has learned some sign language, but his communication skills are inadequate for him to stand trial. Barbara Haskins say deaf people who don't learn language when they're young sometimes can't gain the ability to communicate.
Prosecutors say Martinez raped and killed Brittany Binger in January 2005. The crime happened near the tool shed where Martinez lived.
In September, a judge found Martinez incompetent to stand trial. He has been undergoing intensive sign-language instruction since then. Another hearing to check his progress is scheduled for October.
To stand trial, defendants must be able to communicate with their attorneys and assist in their own defense.
A man whose communication abilities are impaired because he can't hear or speak might be unable to develop the required skills needed to stand trial on capital murder charges in the rape and murder of a 16-year-old James City County girl.
Brittany Binger was found dead on January 3.
At a hearing Wednesday, a clinical psychologist who has examined Oswaldo Martinez testified that Martinez has learned some sign language, but his communication skills are inadequate for him to stand trial. Barbara Haskins say deaf people who don't learn language when they're young sometimes can't gain the ability to communicate.
Prosecutors say Martinez raped and killed Brittany Binger in January 2005. The crime happened near the tool shed where Martinez lived.
In September, a judge found Martinez incompetent to stand trial. He has been undergoing intensive sign-language instruction since then. Another hearing to check his progress is scheduled for October.
To stand trial, defendants must be able to communicate with their attorneys and assist in their own defense.