KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The man accused of killing five bicyclists with his pickup truck and injuring four others has been determined competent to stand trial.
A hearing was held Wednesday in Kalamazoo County District Court for Charles Pickett Jr., 50. He was evaluated by the state’s Center for Forensic Psychiatry at the request of his attorney.
A doctor testified that Pickett is able to “attend to testimony, weigh opinions and make reasoned decisions” in his trial. The doctor testified that in her interview with Pickett, he did not remember any of the specific details of the crash.
Pickett is charged with killing 5 bicyclists.
Pickett is charged with five counts of second-degree murder, four counts of reckless driving causing impairment and driving while intoxicated causing death.
Police have reported that Pickett had taken pain pills and muscle relaxers less than two hours before the June 7 crash. Another four bicyclists were injured when he struck them from behind on a two-lane road in Cooper Township, south of Grand Rapids.
Pickett faces a Sept. 21 preliminary examination.
