Kent man deemed unfit to stand trial

Driver in fatal holiday crash

3/13/2014

FREMONT — The Kent, Ohio, man charged with killing a Toledo couple in a fiery Thanksgiving Day crash on the Ohio Turnpike was declared incompetent to stand trial during a hearing Tuesday in Sandusky County Common Pleas Court.

Andrew Gans, 24, will be transferred to the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital in Toledo, said his attorney, Terrence Rudes of Port Clinton. Mr. Rudes said the ruling was based on the results of a court-ordered evaluation of Mr. Gans’ mental health.

“There will be another evaluation in 90 days. If they can’t restore him to competence in a year, the state can seek a civil commitment, which means he would continue to reside at the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital,” Mr. Rudes said.

Mr. Gans is charged with causing the Nov. 28 crash in Rice Township that killed Wilbur and Margaret McCoy of Toledo.

Authorities said his vehicle was speeding at more than 125 mph on the westbound turnpike when it struck the McCoys’ minivan. Mr. Gans told police he had been drinking before the crash.

He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to four counts of aggravated vehicular homicide during his subsequent arraignment. For each of the two victims, Mr. Gans faces two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, including counts for recklessness and for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Mr. Rudes said Mr. Gans has a history of psychiatric problems going back to his younger years, when he had two brain surgeries to remove a cyst or a tumor.

His client had been hospitalized for psychiatric care more than once before the crash and had been prescribed medication.

Mr. Rudes said he did not know if Mr. Gans was taking it at the time.