Zechmann found competent to stand trial for murder

John Zechmann has been found competent to stand trial for the murder of a Somali man last summer.

Hall County District Judge James Livingston made the ruling Friday after reviewing evidence and listening to the testimony of the two doctors who evaluated Zechmann at the Lincoln Regional Center.

Livingston ruled that Zechmann now has the capacity to understand the nature and objective of the proceedings and can aide in his own defense.

Zechmann, 21, of Grand Island is charged with first-degree murder and the use of a weapon to commit a felony for the Aug. 12, 2007, death of Faud Osman. Osman, 26, was found dead in rural Hall County of a skull fracture and a gunshot wound to the back.

In December 2007, Livingston declared Zechmann incompetent to stand trial and he was committed to the Lincoln Regional Center. While there, he was examined and treated by two doctors, Mario Scalora and Y. Scott Moore, both of whom testified Friday.

The hearing to determine Zechmann's competency was a continuation of a hearing held in April. At that time, Livingston said he wanted clarification of what the statement "with significant training, he will be able to testify if necessary" from the doctors' report meant.

The men submitted a report in November 2007, after their evaluation, that stated Zechmann was incompetent.

Scalora testified that Zechmann was initially confused about the pleas and terms used in court. He said Zechmann also appeared to get anxious about his legal situation but was given ideas for ways to calm himself down when the anxiety increases.

In April, Scalora and Moore submitted a second report that stated Zechmann is now competent.

Scalora testified that Zechmann will be able to testify, if necessary, with significant preparation from his attorney, Jerry Soucie of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy. He will need extra time should he testify and needs to be given information in concrete, not abstract, forms, Scalora said.

Zechmann has borderline intellectual function but isn't mentally retarded and does understand the difference between right and wrong, Scalora said.

His arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The previously set bond of 10 percent of $1 million is reinstated and he will remain in the Hall County Jail.

Charges relating to the murder are also pending in Hall County against Jennifer Ehlers and Amanda Weddle.