KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A man suspected in a murder case will have to undergo further evaluation after being found incompetent to stand trial last week.
Previously, Joshua Wessel of Galesburg had been arrested in the 2017 death of 71-year-old Ron French. French was found dead not long after being reported missing. His body had been found in Wakeshma Township.
At that time, Wessel was found with French’s 2016 Chevrolet Silverado. Wessel was charged with unlawfully driving away a vehicle, but no further links between the two had been announced.
Last July, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s office confirmed that Wessel had been arrested in the French case. In a trial last week, WOOD TV reported that Wessel was found incompetent to stand trial, and must be evaluated before the trial can begin. That order was made by Kalamazoo County District Judge Christopher Haenicke, who said that the case will be reviewed sometime in the next few months.
Court documents also allege that the killing occurred on June 17, 2017, which is thought to have occurred after an argument between Wessel and French.
County Prosecutor Jeff Getting also told WWMT that they believe they have enough evidence to charge Wessel, such as bloody clothing and blankets linking him to the crime that were found in the stolen truck.
Upon resuming trial proceedings, Wessel could face up to life in prison if he is found guilty.
Comments