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Hazel Park Man Found Competent For Trial In Woman's Murder, Mutilation

Jordan McClanahan
Jordan McClanahan (Booking photo)

HAZEL PARK (WWJ/AP) -- A Detroit-area man has been found competent to stand trial in the strangling death and mutilation of a 21-year-old woman.

The Oakland Press of Pontiac reports that a judge accepted a psychiatric report Friday on 23-year-old Jordan McClanahan of Hazel Park.

McClanahan faces an Aug. 26 preliminary examination in Hazel Park District Court.

He is charged with first-degree murder and mutilation of a body. Jessica White's body was found in May in the attic of a home where McClanahan lived.

White, of Troy, was reported missing the previous month. She was strangled with a belt and her fingertips were cut off.

White's mother told police she hadn't heard from her daughter since early in the morning of Saturday, April 23, when she received a cryptic text about an argument between McClanahan and his father.

When questioned by detectives at this home, McClanahan admitted that White had been there, but claimed she'd left to visit someone in the 7 Mile and John R area in Detroit — setting off a search by police and volunteers in that area.

When her body was discovered, McClanahan allegedly admitted to killing White. At his arraignment, McClanahan told the judge that had taken Oxycontin as well as Xanax, and was drinking alcohol on the night of White's death.

White's mother told People Magazine that McClanahan was "obsessed" with her daughter and wanted to date her. "He would want to hang out with her all the time," she told the magazine.

jessica leigh white
Jessica Leigh White (Family photo)

When White was reported missing, McClanahan actually reached out to her mother, she told the magazine, offering to help search for her. "I really care about you guys," McClanahan reportedly wrote in a text message.

On his Facebook page, where White appears in many photos with McClanahan, he describes himself as "the most mellow and understanding guy you will meet, until you screw me over."

In his About Me blurb, McClanahan continues: "I hate drama people that can't talk about problems face to face like an adult. I love to have a good time and am easily amused and love girls with tattoos."

His chosen favorite quote, attributed to Damon Pope: "Revenge is never about the greater good; it's a visceral need that has to be satisfied or the strong lose focus."

McClanahan faces up to life in prison without parole if convicted as charged.

 

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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