Trial In Kalamazoo Mass Shooting Delayed Until May As Suspect Undergoes Mental Exam

KALAMAZOO (WWJ/AP) - A judge on Thursday granted a request for a competency exam for a man charged with killing six people during a series of random shootings in southwestern Michigan.

The review of Jason Dalton's mental health will delay the criminal case for at least two months. The next hearing is May 10.

Dalton, 45, is charged with murder and attempted murder for the Feb. 20 attacks. Police say he fatally shot four people outside a restaurant and a father and son at a car dealership in between driving people for Uber. Two people who survived are in fair condition at a hospital.

Online court records show the issue of a mental competency exam came up during an informal conference involving defense attorney Eusebio Solis, a prosecutor and a Kalamazoo County District Court judge. The meeting was not open to the public.

Kalamazoo County prosecutor Jeff Getting says the exam won't determine whether Dalton was insane at the time of the shootings -- it will determine only if he understands the charges against him and can assist his lawyer.

The exam means a hearing scheduled for March 10 to determine if there is enough evidence to send Dalton to trial is postponed.

Dalton did not know his victims and apparently chose them at random, according to investigators. He faces mandatory life in prison if convicted.

A motive for the shootings has not yet been revealed, although police have said that Dalton has admitted his role in the shootings.

Solis has declined comment since his appointment as defense attorney last week.

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