Earls was in McElfresh’s courtroom today for an competency evaluation hearing, but it was rescheduled until Feb. 8 because his medical records had not yet been obtained.
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In December, defense attorney Dennis Adams filed a motion suggesting Earls is incompetent to stand trial and requested an evaluation.
“Counsel has reason to believe that defendant may have a mental disease or defect that makes him unable to fully comprehend the proceedings in this court at this time, and/or is unable to assist counsel in preparation and defense of his case,” Adams wrote in the motion.
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Officers were called to the facility on Nov. 17 by a staff member who said there was a female resident screaming.
The worker thought the woman had fallen, but when she went into the room, she saw Earls, also a resident at the facility, on top of the woman, according to the police report. Both were naked.
A medical squad transported the woman to Atrium Medical Center, where an examination was performed and a rape kit was completed. The alleged victim has died, but her death is not believed to result of the assault, said Middletown Police Lt. Scott Reeve.
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