Hearing Set for Alleged Iowa Coach Shooter

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

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Aug 31, 2009 at 4:21 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2009 at 4:21 PM CST

IOWA CITY (AP) - A state court judge has determined that there is probable cause for a mental competency hearing for a man charged with killing an Iowa high school football coach.

The Monday decision by Butler County District Court Judge Stephen Carroll means a hearing set for Tuesday in Mason City will be canceled. That hearing would have considered whether there was enough evidence that a mental competency hearing was necessary.

Mark D. Becker faces first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Aplington-Parkersburg coach Ed Thomas. Prosecution and defense attorneys each had psychological evaluations of Becker conducted last week.

Becker's mental competency hearing will be Sept. 10 in Mason City. His trial is set for Sept. 15 in Butler County.

Next Article Most Cedar Rapids Police Cars Missing Dash Cameras During Upgrade

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.