Becker Hearing Postponed

Mark Becker, 24, of Parkersburg, has been charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of Ed Thomas.

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 27, 2009 at 4:20 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 27, 2009 at 4:58 PM CST

MASON CITY - A hearing concerning mental health records of Mark Becker, 24, accused of fatally shooting Aplington-Parkersburg football coach Ed Thomas, set for Tuesday in Mason City was postponed.

According to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, the hearing could be later this week or at a later date.

The defense filed a motion earlier this month to asking the court to unseal and open any mental health or substance abuse committal files on Becker. Becker is claiming insanity and/or diminished responsibility as a defense in his first-degree murder trial set for Sept. 15.

The motion claims Becker had been evaluated and treated before the shooting due to his committal and mental health diagnoses. The motion also asks the state to produce information gathered in its investigation.

Becker is accused of walking into a weightlifting session and shooting Thomas multiple times at close range on June 24. He remains in Cerro Gordo County Jail on a $1 million bond.

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