Man accused of filming suicide found mentally competent

A Utah man accused of encouraging a high school friend to hang herself and filming the act has been found mentally competent to stand trial.

The Daily Herald newspaper in Provo reports the judge’s decision came Tuesday in the case of 18-year-old Tyerell Przybycien.

Prosecutors say Przybycien bought a rope and tied the noose for the 16-year-old girl who hanged herself because he was fascinated with death, telling a friend that helping her would be “like getting away with murder.”

Defense attorneys argue the girl’s suicide notes show she made the choice herself in May 2017. They had asked for mental-health experts to examine Przybycien to determine if he’s fit for trial.

Based on the expert reports, Judge James Brady decided the case can move toward a March trial date.