The Deacon's Bench
You probably remember this story from June. Now, an update:
A man accused of shooting and nearly killing his father-in-law during a crowded Father’s Day church service in northern Utah has been ruled competent to stand trial.
The Standard-Examiner of Ogden reports a pair of mental health professionals determined 35-year-old Charles “Ricky” Jennings Jr. is mentally stable enough to be on trial.
The judge delivered the ruling during a Monday court hearing.
Prosecutors say Jennings shot 66-year-old James Evans because he felt “disrespected.” It occurred at Catholic church in Ogden during a quiet part of the service as about 300 people stood in preparation for communion.
Jennings had walked into the church seconds earlier holding hands with his wife, Cheryl Jennings, who is Evans’ daughter.
The bullet narrowly missed Evans’ brain, allowing him to survive.
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