THE ACCUSED APPALACHIAN TRAIL MURDERER IS FOUND COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL

A federal judge has ruled that the accused Appalachian Trail murderer is competent as the case moves forward. James Jordan appeared in federal court in Abingdon on Thursday morning after being accused of killing Ronald Sanchez Jr., of Oklahoma, and injuring a female hiker on the Appalachian Trail on May 11, 2019. Jordan was charged with murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States and assault with intent to commit murder. Magistrate Judge Pamela Meade Sargent ruled on Thursday morning that Jordan is competent enough for the case to proceed after Jordan was asked if he understood the charges against him and he indicated that he did understand. Jordan was taken to a mental health unit in October 2019 and he is now taking medication that was prescribed to him. A probable cause and detention hearing has been scheduled for June 25 at 10:30 a.m. in Abingdon. Jordan is scheduled to appear in person but he could petition for the hearing to occur via video call. 

---