SENECA, Kan. — An Oklahoma man charged with the April murder of a priest in Seneca, Kansas, will undergo further evaluation at the state’s largest psychiatric facility to determine his competency to stand trial.
During a hearing last Thursday in Nemaha County District Court, a judge directed 66-year-old Gary Hermesch to be evaluated at the Larned State Security Hospital. This decision was based on a written report filed by Kanza Mental Health.
The judge had previously granted a motion filed by Hermesch’s attorney in November requesting a competency evaluation.
Hermesch is charged with first-degree murder in the April 3rd killing of Father Arul Carasala, which occurred outside the Sts. Peter and Paul Church rectory in Seneca.
Proceedings in the case have been placed on hold pending the outcome of the comprehensive mental evaluation.
