Competency tests ordered for man charged in puppy deaths

YOUNGSTOWN

A homeless man charged with felony cruelty to animals in the killing of two puppies in late January will have a mental evaluation to determine his competency before going forward with any additional court hearings.

William Bednar, 55, appeared Friday before Judge Elizabeth Kobly of Youngstown Municipal Court for arraignment on the two felony cruelty charges and two misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charges. Judge Kobly set bond at $25,000 on each of the felony charges and $5,000 on each of the misdemeanor charges, then ordered the mental evaluation before any more court hearings.

Bednar has two prior convictions for animal cruelty, one in 2000 and one earlier this year.