Competency Exam Scheduled for Longview Murder Suspect

LONGVIEW – A man accused in the stabbing deaths of two persons at a Longview hospital will be examined to determine if he’s competent to stand trial. Kyron Rayshawn Templeton, 26, of Longview is charged with capital murder. The stabbing deaths occurred November 26, 2013, at what was then Good Shepherd Medical Center Ambulatory Surgical Center. According to the Longview News Journal, Kevin Settle, one of Templeton’s court-appointed attorneys, filed a motion earlier this month asking that his client be examined. In the motion, Settle said jail records indicate Templeton has exhibited mental and behavioral issues since his arrest, including biting and tearing skin from his wrist as well as speaking incoherently and refusing to eat.

Nurse Gail Sandidge, 57, and visitor Harris Teel, 82, died of wounds suffered in the attack. Registered nurse Karen Bobo and visitors Teresa Allison and Melissa Simms were injured. Besides the capital murder charge, Templeton has also been charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to investigators, Templeton had been there for his mother’s surgery that morning. His arrest report says he told an officer he carried out the attack because “they” were trying to kill his mother.