AKRON, Ohio — An Ohio man accused of setting two fires that killed nine people will be sent to a psychiatric hospital for further evaluation of his competency.
Summit County prosecutors say 60-year-old Stanley Ford set a 2016 fire that killed two adults and one in 2017 that killed two adults and five children. Prosecutors allege Ford had a “beef” with neighbors
The Akron Beacon Journal reports that a Summit County judge ordered the latest evaluation of Ford on Tuesday after a court psychologist’s evaluation was inconclusive.
Ford has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated murder. The Akron man could face the death penalty if convicted.
The evaluation at Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare in Columbus has delayed Ford’s trial. Jury selection had been scheduled to start Aug. 6.
