NEWS

Judge: Accused Walmart shooter is competent for trial

Matt Steecker
ithacajournal.com | @MSteecker
Justin Barkley

Judge John Rowley declared a Dryden man accused of killing a UPS driver in the parking lot of an Ithaca Walmart on Dec. 8  competent for trial during a court appearance on Friday.

Rowley, in State Supreme Court at the Tompkins County Courthouse, also said the case will not go to trial before August.

Justin Barkley faces 25 years to life in state prison, if convicted of the death of 52-year-old Candor resident William Schumacher outside the Walmart store at 135 Fairgrounds Memorial Parkway in Ithaca. Barkley entered a not guilty plea on Friday and is requesting a new attorney. Judge Rowley said Barkley will not be released from custody before trial.

In December, Justin Barkley, 38, allegedly admitted driving to Walmart and fatally shooting a UPS worker in the parking lot, driving over the victim's body, then later firing a "sound shot" from his rifle to keep officers from coming after him. After a nearly eight-hour standoff with police, Barkley was taken into custody without a struggle and no injuries to himself or police.

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

Also in the same month, Barkley was indicted on felony counts of second-degree murder and menacing a police officer or peace officer.

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 to determine whether he would be mentally competent and capable of assisting with his own defense.

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