Murder suspect found competent to stand trial
Published at | Updated atIDAHO FALLS – The teenager accused of violently stabbing and killing a man in Tautphaus Park has been found competent to stand trial.
Brian Mitchell, 18, is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the August death of Deraek Patrick Larson.
Bonneville County Prosecutor Daniel Clark said Mitchell appeared in court Wednesday, Oct 7. During the court appearance, Magistrate Judge Stephen Clark referenced a medical report that indicates Mitchell is mentally competent to proceed with his criminal charge.
Larson, 31, was found dead on playground equipment in Tautphaus Park at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Police say Mitchell stabbed him over 20 times in the back, front, neck and head. A passerby found Larson’s body hours after the crime occurred.
Mitchell has told detectives he stabbed Larson after the older man made unwanted sexual advances while they were in the park.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21.
EastIdahoNews.com File Photo taken by Lindsey Johnson.
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