Accused Cop Shooter Ruled Competent

The man accused of shooting a Zanesville Police Officer and his canine partner has been ruled competent to stand trial.

Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor Bob Smith says 19-year-old Dominick Conley went before Muskingum County Common Pleas Judge Mark Fleegle for a hearing Thursday.

Prior to the hearing Conley requested that he be assigned a new public defender since he was unhappy with his current attorney Jerry McHenry. Judge Fleegle denied that request.

Conley’s attorney also requested another competency hearing before the Judge ruled. Fleegle ruled Conley competent, but added that a motion for another hearing could be filed in the next seven days.

Conley is facing 12 felony counts in connection with the August 23rd shooting of patrolman Mike Schiele and his K-9 Bosco.

If convicted Conley faces 105 years in prison.