A judge in suburban Philadelphia ruled that the man accused of beheading his father in their home earlier this year is competent to stand trial. The ruling came after a lengthy proceeding where the accused, Justin Mohn, appeared in court wearing a yellow jumpsuit and expressed willingness to work with a new attorney.
During the hearing, Dr. Kelly Chamberlain, a forensic psychologist, testified that Mohn appeared intelligent, calm, and socially appropriate. She noted that Mohn objected to using a mental health defense and seemed self-interested. Another expert witness, Dr. John Markey, initially diagnosed Mohn with schizophrenia but later revised it to delusional disorder.
Mohn's writings, where he claimed to be a messiah and sought refuge from Russia, were discussed during the hearing. Prosecutors detailed the gruesome incident where Mohn allegedly shot his father, decapitated him, and posted a video online holding up the severed head. The video contained conspiracy theories and calls for violence against the government.
Corrections officer Ralph Taylor described Mohn as polite and respectful in jail. Prosecutors have charged Mohn with first-degree murder, abusing a corpse, and possession of crime instruments. He remains in custody without bail as the case moves forward.
