Justin Barkley murder trial: Jury selection starts Jan. 8 in Tompkins County Court

Jury selection for the trial of a Dryden man accused of murdering a UPS driver one year ago outside Ithaca's Walmart will start Jan. 8.

Justin Barkley is accused of shooting 52-year-old Candor resident William Schumacher in the parking lot of Walmart, running over him with a truck and then shooting at police officers in December 2016. Barkley was indicted in Tompkins County Court on felony counts of second-degree murder and menacing a police officer or peace officer.

Prosecutors say Barkley intentionally caused the death of Schumacher — the two men were strangers — on Dec. 8.

During an initial court arraignment, Barkley claimed he was trying to kill President-elect Donald Trump.

In January, Barkley was ruled mentally incompetent after preliminary mental examinations, but prosecutors vowed to pursue a case against him. Barkley was then transferred to a New York State mental health institution for a more in-depth evaluation where it was determined he is mentally competent and capable of assisting with his own defense.

Judge John Rowley declared Barkley competent for trial during a court appearance in March. The trial was originally scheduled for September but was postponed until November. The later trial date would also be rescheduled because the defense was considering filing a psychiatric report, however, the defense has decided it will not file the report.

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