Ottumwa, Ia (KYOU TV) – Preston Martin of Ottumwa has now been ruled competent to stand trial.
Martin is accused of committing the murder of an Ottumwa man in May of 2019. He was later found incompetent to stand trial after it was determined that Martin suffers from several mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.
Under state and federal law, the defendant must be able to understand the charges against them to stand trial; and Martin was found unable to do so. He was then treated at Iowa Medical and Classification Center and was given 18 months for mental health recovery.
On Thursday, an Iowa judge ruled that Martin is of able mental health to now stand trial. A new trial date has yet to be determined.
Martin faces life in prison if convicted.
