Lynchburg murder suspect found incompetent to stand trial, ordered to undergo treatment to restore competency
A suspect accused of murdering a Lynchburg woman in July has been found not competent to stand trial at the present time, with the case being placed on the inactive docket in Highland County Common Pleas Court while she undergoes “a period of restoration,” according to Judge Rocky Coss.
As previously reported, Rossalin R. Wass, 41, was charged with aggravated murder, an unclassified felony; murder, an unclassified felony; and two counts of felonious assault, both second-degree felonies, during the Tuesday, Aug. 6 Highland County grand jury session.
On Aug. 15, defense attorney Jacob D. Wagoner filed a motion for psychiatric evaluation to determine whether Wass was competent to stand trial and to evaluate her mental condition at the time of the offense was allegedly committed. Judge Coss issued those orders, also on Aug. 15.
A hearing on the evaluation was conducted Wednesday, Sept. 25, where Coss summarized the findings of clinical psychologist Dr. Carla S. Dreyer. According to Coss, Dreyer found that Wass is “capable of understanding the nature of the proceedings” but not currently capable “of assisting counsel in preparing for her defense.” The psychologist does believe that Wass “can be restored to competency,” Coss said.
Coss filed an order Wednesday for Wass “to undergo treatment to restore competency for a period of one year,” beginning when “a bed becomes available and the defendant has been transported” to a secure mental health facility. She will remain at the Highland County Justice Center until then, the order says.
As previously reported by the Highland County Sheriff’s Office, “on July 18 at approximately 3:59 p.m., a report of a stabbing was received through 911. Highland County Sheriff’s officers, along with the life squad from Eastern Joint Fire District, responded to the 2000 block of Gossett Road in Lynchburg.
“Upon arrival, a 61-year-old female resident of Gossett Road was found deceased as a result of injuries. The Highland County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to assist with the crime scene investigation.”
The aggravated murder charge alleges that Wass “did purposely, and with prior calculation and design,” cause the victim’s death.
The indictment further alleges that she “did purposely cause the death” of the victim” and that she “did knowingly cause or attempt to cause serious physical harm to the victim.” The other felonious assault charge alleges that Wass “did knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm” to the victim using a cooking pot.
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
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