Boyle Circuit Judge Darren Peckler ruled Tuesday that Charles Vanhook is competent to stand trial for the murder of his grandfather, Harold Long, who was stabbed inside his Goggin Lane home in October.
Peckler’s decision came after a closed hearing in the judge’s chamber where a psychiatrist who had evaluated Vanhook testified via teleconference with Peckler, Commonwealth’s Attorney Richie Bottoms, Vanhook and his attorney.
Vanhook, 37, of 209 Holiday Drive, also pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the murder charge during his arraignment in circuit court. He remains in the Boyle County Detention Center.
Danville police were called to Long’s home on Oct. 5, where they found Long had been stabbed in the neck and back with a kitchen knife. Vanhook was arrested at a neighbor’s house, where he had stopped to wait for police.
Long was airlifted to a Lexington hospital, and Vanhook initially was charged with first-degree assault. But Long, who suffered other medical ailments, never returned home from Lexington, where he died on Jan. 3. An autopsy revealed Long died as result of the stab wounds.
Vanhook also is charged with kidnapping for allegedly holding his grandmother against her will while he assaulted her husband.
Vanhook’s next court appearance is April 9 for a status hearing.
Peckler’s decision came after a closed hearing in the judge’s chamber where a psychiatrist who had evaluated Vanhook testified via teleconference with Peckler, Commonwealth’s Attorney Richie Bottoms, Vanhook and his attorney.
Vanhook, 37, of 209 Holiday Drive, also pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the murder charge during his arraignment in circuit court. He remains in the Boyle County Detention Center.
Danville police were called to Long’s home on Oct. 5, where they found Long had been stabbed in the neck and back with a kitchen knife. Vanhook was arrested at a neighbor’s house, where he had stopped to wait for police.
Long was airlifted to a Lexington hospital, and Vanhook initially was charged with first-degree assault. But Long, who suffered other medical ailments, never returned home from Lexington, where he died on Jan. 3. An autopsy revealed Long died as result of the stab wounds.
Vanhook also is charged with kidnapping for allegedly holding his grandmother against her will while he assaulted her husband.
Vanhook’s next court appearance is April 9 for a status hearing.
