A state judge has ruled that 18-year-old Deven Young is competent to stand trial for the murder of Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart last year in Union, Midcoast Villager reports.
Judge Eric Walker ruled that Young “has a rational as well as a factual understanding of the proceedings and a sufficient present ability to consult with legal counsel with a reasonable degree of rational understanding,” reports the Villager’s Stephen Betts.
The judge impounded the competency evaluation of Young, along with more detailed reasons for the ruling.Walker ordered a scheduling conference for May 7 in Knox County court.
The judge has had the competency issue under advisement since a recent closed-door hearing.
The Maine Attorney General’s Office is seeking to have the case transferred to adult court, as Young, who lived in Frankfort, turned 18 shortly after Stewart’s death.
If Young were convicted as an adult he would face a minimum of 25 years to life in prison.
If found guilty as a juvenile, he could be held in juvenile detention until age 21 – a maximum of three years.
The next step will be a hearing on whether to transfer the case to adult court.
