Judge rules man competent to stand trial for murder in May homicide

YOUNGSTOWN — Judge Maureen Sweeney today set a March trial date in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court after a man charged with a West Side homicide was found competent to stand trial.

Bernard Barnes, 57, will go on trial on a murder charge for the death of Kenneth Evans, 57, who died early May 5 after being shot the night before in the 1900 block of Manhattan Avenue.

Judge Sweeney set the trial date after an evaluation was done that found Barnes was competent to stand trial and aid in his defense. His attorneys had asked for an evaluation.

Police said Barnes shot Evans in the middle of the street after the two were arguing over a woman, police said.

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