James L. Jordan
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Massachusetts man charged with killing an Appalachian Trail hiker and attacking another with a hunting knife in Virginia plans to use an insanity defense at his trial.
James Jordan of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, is scheduled to go on trial in January.
The 31-year-old is accused of fatally stabbing 43-year-old Ronald Sanchez Jr., of Oklahoma City, and wounding a female hiker in May 2019.
Jordan’s attorneys filed a notice in federal court this week saying they intend to use an insanity defense.
Jordan has a history of mental illness.
He was originally declared incompetent to stand trial.
But a judge in June found that he is now competent and the case can proceed.
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