Autistic murder suspect headed to Ohio court

RAVENNA, Ohio (AP) — A judge in Ohio is taking up the issue of whether an autistic teen is able to stand trial in the fatal beating of his mother, a Kent State University professor.

The judge in Ravenna scheduled a competency hearing today in the case against 18-year-old Sky Walker. His attorneys say he can’t hold a conversation and can’t understand the charges or help in his defense.

Walker’s mother, 60-year-old Gertrude “Trudy” Steuernagel, was found beaten in her home in January and died a week later.

Autism is a developmental disability that limits social interaction and communication skills, usually starting before age 3.