Competency Evaluation Ordered For Man Accused In Whitman College Murder

WALLA WALLA, Wash. (AP) – The arraignment for a man accused in the killing of a Whitman College employee has been continued for the completion of a competency evaluation.

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports 23-year-old Colby Hedman appeared in Walla Walla County Superior Court Monday to enter a plea but attorneys said they were awaiting the evaluation from Eastern State Hospital, which likely will take weeks.

He made an initial appearance in court last week after he was transported from Baker County, Oregon.

Hedman has been charged with first-degree murder and theft of a motor vehicle in connection with the death of 35-year-old Kyle Martz in July.

Court documents say Hedman told police he struck Martz with an ax and dismembered his body before stealing Martz’s truck.

No motive for the killing has been released. Police have said the two men did not know each other.
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Information from: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, http://www.union-bulletin.com