Murder suspect to get competency evaluation

1/22/2009

A Toledo man charged in the Jan. 4 stabbing death of his uncle, whose house authorities said he then set on fire, was referred for a competency evaluation yesterday to determine if he is able to stand trial.

Robert Parker, 42, of 1247 Hamilton St., is charged with murder and aggravated arson. He appeared in Lucas County Common Pleas Court yesterday with attorney Jane Roman, who requested that he not be arraigned on the charges but instead be psychiatrically evaluated.

Parker is accused of stabbing Donald Lee, 74, multiple times in the head and torso. He is also charged in the arson fire at Mr. Lee s home in the Albertus Brown housing complex. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

Judge Linda Jennings referred Parker to the Court Diagnostic and Treatment Center and set a Feb. 25 hearing.