Evaluation Finds Teen Incompetent To Face Trial For Murder

HOLLAND (AP) — A teen charged in the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old man in Ottawa County has been found incompetent to stand trial.

The Holland Sentinel reports Friday that the determination was made by a forensic evaluator who examined 17-year-old Victor Donaldson. He's accused of killing 18-year-old Japaris Rodgers July 31 in Holland Township and has been held at the county jail since shortly after his early August arraignment.

Authorities say the two were involved in a fight when Rodgers was stabbed in the heart. Donaldson, then 16, has claimed self-defense.

The newspaper reports all court dates for his open murder charge have been cancelled.

Defense attorney Robert Hamilton, who requested the evaluation, says Donaldson has suffered from mental illness in jail. He's also accused of attacking a jail employee.

 

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