Man accused in 9 arson deaths set for competency hearing

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man accused of killing nine neighbors in two arson fires is set for another competency hearing.

A judge on Tuesday set a Dec. 19 competency hearing for Stanley Ford. WKYC-TV reports Ford told the judge Tuesday he doesn’t see a need for a competency hearing. The 60-year-old Akron man who has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and other charges said he “didn’t commit a crime” and won’t see a doctor.

Ford could be sentenced to death if convicted of killing two adults in 2016 and two adults and five children in 2017.

A judge earlier ordered a competency evaluation after a court psychologist’s evaluation was inconclusive and Ford’s attorneys said medical tests indicated he has brain damage. A forensic psychologist later found Ford competent to stand trial.

___

Information from: WKYC-TV, http://www.wkyc.com