Sioux Falls man awaiting murder trial says he doesn't need competency exam
Danielle FergusonA Sioux Falls man awaiting trial on murder charges is still waiting for the completion of an attorney-requested mental health exam.
Henry Francis Little Long, 29, is facing charges of murder and manslaughter for the shooting death of LaKendrick Jermaine Thornton, 40, who was found in a ditch near Renner on Sept. 18, 2018.
In January, Long consented to a mental health evaluation, which was ordered by his previous attorney in October 2018. He had earlier said he didn't think he needed the evaluation, but later agreed to it to move his case along.
According to a status hearing Thursday afternoon, a mental health professional had met with Long, but needed more information to complete a competency evaluation. The evaluation must be done before a trial can occur.
Long addressed the judge, saying he doesn't think the evaluation is necessary.
"I'm a very competent man," Long said. "I know what's going on here in court."
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Judge Jon Sogn said he understood Long's position, and said if a mental health professional made the opinion that he was not competent to help with his case, Sogn could not accept a waiving of the competency exam.
Long expressed frustration with a waiting list at the jail to see a mental health professional. Sogn said he can try to move up Long's name because of the nature of his charges and upcoming jury trial.
The trial is scheduled to start April 8 and may take up to two weeks.
Police say Long was in the passenger seat of a vehicle along with three others, including Thornton, to purchase drugs when the shooting occurred.
Kelsey Rachel Roubideaux was driving the vehicle, police said, when Thornton, who was sitting in the back, and Long began arguing.
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Long pulled a black handgun out of the glove compartment and pointed it at Thornton, and shot, according to the affidavit. Thornton's body was later left in a ditch near Renner, police said.
Roubideaux is being charged with first-degree manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance. She is also scheduled to go to trial in April.
Follow reporter Danielle Ferguson on Twitter at @DaniFergs