The case of a 20-year-old Shingletown man accused of murdering his grandfather has taken a surprising turn.
A Shasta County judge has agreed that Skyler Joshua Poland's mental competency will be determined by a 12-person jury before his murder trial goes forward.
Poland was arrested last April on suspicion of killing his 65-year-old grandfather, Joseph David Maddox, at their Westward Ho Road home in the Shingletown area. Investigators say Poland used a shovel to kill Maddox. Prosecutors also say Poland attack his grandmother who was seriously injured.
The judge's decision comes after two forensic psychologist said Poland was competent to stand trial now that he was back on medication. But Poland's attorney argued successfully that a jury should make the final determination on Poland's competency
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