Circuit Judge David Mouton ordered Friday that 15-year-old Thomas White undergo an examination to determine if he has the mental competency to assist in his own defense.
White’s public defenders had asked for the examination in light of recent evaluations of their client by a doctor and psychologist suggesting the possibility the teen might be schizophrenic. The prosecutor’s office raised no objection to the request at a hearing Friday in Jasper County Circuit Court prior to the judge’s ruling.
But the judge turned down a defense request that White be released from jail on a cash bond and placed on house arrest while awaiting trial on charges stemming from an assault-rifle incident at Joplin’s Memorial Middle School in 2006.
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<img src="http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/new.gif" border=0> 11:31 a.m. Mental exam ordered for school-gun teen
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Mike Pound: Food competitions combine to make culinary heaven
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Mo. court strikes down part of 2008 harassment law
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Cattle rustlers strike again in SW Mo. county
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Sheriff Jim Arnott says the latest episode occurred sometime Sunday in Walnut Grove. -
Bids sought for Cherokee County water treatment plant
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Dog helps some get through the court process
Sophie, a mutt of a dog with draping ears and dotted brows, is helping people in St. Louis County court tell stories of crime to judges, investigators and attorneys.
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Jasper County 911 administrative lines down
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Study suggests continued population drop in Kansas
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Tornado victim’s recovery ‘miraculous’
Carolyn Mckinlay did not know much about baseball, but she knew it was important to watch the sixth game of last year’s World Series. It was important because her future husband, Mark Lindquist, had a ticket to see his beloved Cardinals take on the Texas Rangers in the seventh game at St. Louis.
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Family of service honored at Memorial Day ceremony
Lt. Col. Robert Brock returned to his hometown Monday and told an audience of about 500 residents and veterans gathered at the Pittsburg State University Veterans Memorial that Memorial Day is a celebration of family — America’s family of service.
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Master developer working on project possibilities
A Texas developer who Joplin officials intend to hire to help with the city’s post-tornado development says he has secured commitments for about $400 million in capital to fund about 20 possible projects.
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Mike Pound: Food competitions combine to make culinary heaven


