A man accused of shooting to death a local lawyer and insurance agent visiting the attorney’s office in 1999 will likely never stand trial for the deaths because he is not competent, and he was committed to a mental institution.
The ruling on Walter Shell’s future came Monday at a hearing in Washington County Criminal Court. Judge Jerry Beck ordered Shell be sent to Moccasin Bend, a facility in Chattanooga, until he become competent or until his death.
Dr. Steven R. Lawhon testified briefly Monday about his evaluation of Shell and told Beck that it’s unlikely Shell will ever be able to stand trial.
Read the full story on the Johnson City Press website.