Ohio boy found competent for trial in man's death

DELAWARE, Ohio – A 12-year-old Ohio boy who told a 911 dispatcher he shot his mother's boyfriend has been found competent for trial in the man's death.

The Delaware County prosecutor says a juvenile court judge ruled Monday that the boy is able to help with his defense and understand court proceedings. A psychiatrist evaluated him.

The boy has entered the juvenile equivalent of a not guilty plea to a delinquency count of murder in the April death of 38-year-old Jeffrey Reece. If convicted, he could remain in juvenile detention until age 21.

The child told a dispatcher that Reece threatened him and his mother.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that a defense attorney handed the handcuffed boy tissues to wipe his eyes in court. The attorney didn't immediately return a call for comment from The Associated Press.