NORMAN, Okla. — A judge has ordered a mental competency exam for a man accused of beheading a co-worker at a Moore food processing plant last year.
The Oklahoman reported that defense attorneys for Alton Alexander Nolen had asked for the evaluation. Cleveland County District Judge Lori Walkley approved their request, and her order was filed Wednesday.
An expert from the state Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Department will examine Nolen. The findings will then be reported to the judge.
Nolen is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Colleen Hufford, and prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty. Nolen is accused of attacking Hufford at Vaughan Foods after he was suspended from his job at the plant.