Attorneys agree Sky Walker is incompetent to stand trial

DKS Editors

Prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed Friday that 18-year-old Sky Walker is incompetent to stand trial for the killing of his mother, former political science professor Gertrude “Trudy” Steuernagel. Walker is autistic.

Walker’s attorneys and the prosecution told Portage County Common Pleas Court Judge John Enlow that they accepted a mental health evaluation that Walker is incompetent, according to the Record-Courier.

Enlow will make the final decision about Walker’s competency to stand trial. A ruling is expected sometime next week.

Steuernagel was found beaten in her home in late January after co-workers became concerned when she didn’t show up for work. She died Feb. 6.

Walker is charged with two counts of murder in connection with his mother’s death. Portage County Probate Court ruled Walker incompetent Feb. 23 and appointed Ravenna-based attorney Deron Boring as his guardian.

– Staff report