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Man Accused Of Killing Black Teen Found Competent For Trial
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – A white man accused of killing a black teen in West Virginia two years ago has been found mentally competent to stand trial.
News outlets report a judge on Wednesday set a May 6 trial date for William Ronald Pulliam in the shooting death of 15-year-old James Harvey Means in November 2016. The decision came after a judge ruled in May that Pulliam was incompetent and sent him to a mental hospital for treatment.
Pulliam’s lawyer Richard Holicker says another evaluation will determine whether his client is criminal responsibility for his actions.
Police say Means had a BB gun in his waistband when he was shot twice by Pulliam. Video footage shows Means had nothing in his hands. Pulliam has said he felt threatened and acted in self-defense.