By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE — A man accused of stabbing his mother to death July 4 will undergo a competency evaluation before formal charges are filed.
A preliminary examination July 20 was waived in Southgate’s 28th District Court for James Alan Shields, 53, pending the results of an exam requested by defense counsel. District Court Judge James Kandrevas will schedule a preliminary examination of the charges after the evaluation.
Southgate Public Safety Director Thomas Coombs said that police were called to the 12300 block of Longtin about 8 p.m. July 4, and found Alice Shields, 83, at the bottom of the stairs. Coombs said Shields died from multiple stab wounds.
Shields was located at the home the next day and was taken into custody, where he has remained since without bond.