Compher declared incompetent to stand trial

Brad Scott Compher, the man accused of killing Nori Jones in Pocatello in 2004, was declared incompetent this week to stand trial.

After looking at a Utah psychiatrist’s evaluation, the judge said there is enough evidence to question Compher’s competency. He doesn’t think Compher is competent to assist in his own defense or understand court proceedings.

That evaluation is the second. After the psychiatrist’s first evaluation, prosecutors felt something was missing. So the judge ordered a second evaluation be done. The prosecution said it does not agree that Compher is incompetent but the judge felt there was enough to question it and ruled in favor of the defense.

Prosecutors say this means the status of the case is essentially on hold.

According to prosecutors, this is not the same thing as an insanity-based defense.

Compher now goes into the custody of the Department of Health and Welfare.

In 30 days, the department will do an evaluation, and the judge will determine if Compher is mentally dangerous. That ruling will decide whether Compher is sent to a more secure facility for treatment.

If he is not deemed dangerous, he will be sent to a less secure facility – a psychiatric hospital, likely State Hospital South, according to prosecutors. According to Bannock County prosecutors, if Compher is considered dangerous for an insecure facility, there are several more secure optinos where he will be placed for treatment.

Prosecutors are arguing that because of the evidence they have and the details of the case, he is a mentally ill danger.

Prosecutors say wherever he goes, what they call “restorative action” will be taken. It will try to restore Compher to competent status to go to trial.

No set amount of time was given for the treatment, but prosecutors say that often in these types of cases, the defendants are able to come back to court and face a jury. After so many days, a report on his treatment will be sent to the court to determine if he can then stand trial. The court could rule Compher spends additional time in treatment.

Compher is charged with first-degree murder and enhancement with a deadly weapon in the killing of 25-year-old Nori Jones. Jones was fatally stabbed multiple times in her home on Pole Line Road more than 10 years ago.

Compher was arrested in 2014 after advances in DNA technology brought new evidence to light.

The state is seeking the death penalty for Compher.