CCB MEDIA FILE PHOTO
Adrian Loya is led into a vehicle to be returned to Bridgewater State Hospital after his arraignment last month.
BARNSTABLE – The Virginia man accused of the murder and triple shooting in Bourne earlier this year has been declared competent to stand trial.
Adrian Loya, 31, appeared in Barnstable Superior Court yesterday for a discussion of his competency based on a report by a doctor who evaluated Loya at Bridgewater State Hospital where he is being held.
Loya last month was arraigned on 30 charges related to the murder of Coast Guard Officer Lisa Trubnikova, the shooting of her spouse, Anna Trubnikova, who is also a Coast Guard officer, and the shooting of Bourne Police Officer Jared MacDonald. Both Anna Trubnikova and MacDonald recovered from their injuries.
The crime took place at a condominium complex in Monument Beach on February 5. According to police documents, Loya wrote a lengthy document prior to the killing about his plan and also recorded the crime by means of a camera that he wore around his neck during the shootings.
Drew Segadelli, the attorney representing Loya, said, the issue of competency can change and the ruling does not signal one way or another whether he will pursue an insanity defense.
The competency evaluation was done pursuant to an order by Barnstable Superior Court Judge Gary Nickerson at Loya’s arraignment on August 14. The report was to cover competence and criminal responsibility.
Yesterday morning, Segadelli along with the prosecuting attorney and the judge, discussed the doctor’s conclusions that Mr. Loya was deemed competent to stand trial at this time.
“Competency is a matter which can be reviewed almost daily. It is something that fluctuates,” Segadelli said after the proceeding. “But at this time he stands competent.”
The judge recognized the competency evaluation and it was not contested by Segadelli nor First District Attorney Brian Glenny, who is prosecuting the case for the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s office.
The next pre-trial conference is scheduled for September 30.
Segadelli said he would make the court aware at that time of whether he is going to use the insanity defense.
“The defense will be submitting certain motions and probably put the court on notice of particular defenses which may be exercised on behalf of Mr. Loya,” Segadelli said.
Segadelli said he spent time with Loya at court yesterday and also spoke to his family members. He said he also spoke to independent evaluators who he has hired to assist in evaluating Loya.
Loya will remain in custody at Bridgewater State Hospital as he awaits trial, Segadelli said.
Segadelli said, “Competency is a very low standard.” He said in order to be declared competent, the defendant needs to understand the roles of the attorneys and the judge in the court process. “It really has nothing to do with the proper housing facility. But he was deemed to be a significant concern that the doctor recommended he be returned to Bridgewater State Hospital as their facility is best suited to handle somebody with his needs.”
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