Crime & Safety

Judge Gives Severance's Attorneys More Time to Evaluate Mental Competency Findings: Reports

Attorneys have until April 2 to decide whether they plan to contest findings, according to report by The Washington Post.

Mary Ann Barton, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Pool photo by Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post from Jan. 22, 2015 court appearance

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Serial murder suspect Charles Severance made an appearance in a Fairfax County courtroom Thursday morning for a competency hearing, to find out whether he will stand trial for the murders of three high-profile Alexandrians.

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The competency hearing was delayed, according to The Washington Post, when Judge Jane Marum Roush granted Severance’s attorneys’ request for more time to examine a doctor’s findings on Severance’s competency to stand trial, released to them on Tuesday. WJLA reports that Severance was sent to a state hospital last month for evaluation.

Severance, who most recently lived in Ashburn but has also lived in Parkfairfax, was described in several media reports as remaining calm at today’s hearing; in previous courtroom appearances he has tried to fire his attorney, and made obscene gestures.

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Severance, 54, is accused of killing Alexandrians Ruthanne Lodato, Ron Kirby and Nancy Dunning. Prosecutors have said they will not seek the death penalty.

Lodato was a mother, wife and music teacher killed after being shot on her doorstep Feb. 6, 2014; Kirby was a transportation planner, also shot and killed at his home, on Nov. 11, 2013. Dunning was a real estate agent, shot at her home on Dec. 5, 2003. All were well-liked and all were shot in the middle of the day at their homes.

Severance is incarcerated in the Arlington County Jail awaiting trial. Severance’s attorneys have until April 2 to contest the findings, The Post reported. Another hearing is set for April 23.

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