Accident – death – Obituary News :

Man Charged with Murder of Leonila Melvin Deemed Incompetent for Trial

SHERIDAN – Israel Macedo Melvin, 22, appeared in court for the first time in relation to the murder of Leonila Melvin on January 7th. During the hearing on January 12th, 9th Judicial District Fremont County Circuit Court Judge Jefferson Coombs declared Israel Melvin incompetent to stand trial.

Judge Cites Inability to Answer Basic Questions

During the hearing, Judge Coombs pointed out Israel Melvin’s inability to answer basic questions as a sign of his incompetence. This, along with a recent order of incompetency from Judge Shelley Cundiff, led to the decision.

Mental Competency Evaluation Ordered

Judge Coombs requested a mental competency evaluation to be completed, despite Israel Melvin’s previous failed attempts in 2023. Four evaluations conducted last year all found him incompetent to proceed. The most recent evaluation was completed on December 12th, according to Judge Coombs.

Appointment of Public Defender

Judge Coombs also appointed a public defender for Israel Melvin’s case. A review hearing with the public defender is expected to take place within the next few weeks. However, the case is currently stayed and suspended until then.

Struggles to Answer Questions About Mental Health

During the initial hearing, Israel Melvin struggled to answer questions about his mental health history. Although he mentioned taking medications for schizophrenia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, he was largely unresponsive.

Drug Charges and Homicide Discovery

Israel Melvin was arrested on January 7th and charged with two drug counts unrelated to the homicide. The charges include the use and possession of a controlled substance in liquid form. The discovery of the homicide occurred later that evening when a man found his wife deceased in their home on Gladstone Street in Sheridan.

Victim’s Son Faces Second Degree Murder Charges

Israel Melvin, identified as the son of the victim in the case, now faces second degree murder charges in Sheridan County. According to charging documents, second degree murder is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than 20 years or a fine of no more than $10,000.

Preliminary Autopsy Report Reveals Cause of death

A preliminary autopsy report determined that Leonila Melvin’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The examiner described the object used as a “blunt object with sharp corners.” The victim sustained multiple fractures, wounds, and two broken ribs.

Prior Enforcement Actions and Arrests

The affidavit of probable cause states that the Sheridan Police Department has taken previous enforcement actions against Israel Melvin. Most recently, he was cited for unlawful contact against his mother on December 12th. In addition, Israel Melvin was arrested for sexual assault against a 15-year-old victim in August 2022, but no charges were filed. He was also charged with assault against a 12-year-old victim in June 2020 and aggravated battery against his mother in May 2019.

This tragic incident highlights the need for a thorough evaluation of the defendant’s mental competency before proceeding with the trial. The court’s decision to appoint a public defender ensures fair representation for Israel Melvin, and a review hearing will be scheduled in the coming weeks to further assess his ability to stand trial.

Stephen Dow is assistant editor at The Sheridan Press.

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