NEWS
Trial Delayed for Chilean Shooter: Deemed Legally Incompetant
Meagan O'Halloran
Dannie Roy Baker, the Walton County man accused of a February shooting rampage that killed two Chilean exchange students and wounding three others, will not be standing trial for murder, at least not now.
Baker and his attorney were in court this morning for a mental competency hearing.
Both the defense and state psychiatrists testified that Baker is mentally incompetent.
The judge agreed, ordering Baker be committed to the Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee for an undetermined length of time.
If his treatment improves to the point where he is mentally competent, Baker will be brought back to Walton County to stand trial.
When asked, Baker's public defender Lenny Platterborze would not reveal any prior mental health history.
MO’H: "Was he ever diagnosed with a psychological condition, you had said he had psychological problems?”
Defender: "I believe he has"
MO’H: "What was that condition?"
Defender: "I’m not at liberty to say at this point."
The Judge concluded that Baker was indeed legally and mentally incompetent.
"Mr. Baker, at this time the court is finding that under statute 962106, that you're incompetent to proceed, and I am going to have the Sheriff transport him to Florida State Hospital and he will remain there until further court order."
Baker is accused of two counts of first degree murder, three counts of attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery, and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Authorities say the 60-year-old opened fire on a group of Chilean exchange students at these units at the Summer Lake Townhomes in Mirimar Beach.
Investigators say Baker left his townhouse carrying a rifle, walked across the complex to the victims' unit, and opened fire.
After the shootings he locked himself inside his condo and waited for authorities to arrive.
He surrendered 4-hours later, when sheriff's officials deployed an armored special response vehicle.
The shooting received worldwide attention, because of the victim's nationalities.
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