Murder Suspect Deemed Incompetent for Trial

A Tompkins County man is not fit to stand trial in connection with the killing of a United Parcel Service driver from Tioga County at a Walmart in Ithaca in December, 2016.

A judge has ruled that 38 year old Justin Barkley is mentally incompetent and not able to aid in his defense.

Prosecutors say Barkley shot and killed 52 year old William Schumacher of Candor before running over him.  Barkley said he thought he was killing Donald Trump.

He also held authorities at bay after the killing and fired at police at his home in Dryden.

Prosecutors say they believe Barkley is just unwilling to participate in the proceedings and is competent.

Barkley is being transferred to a secure New York State mental health institution.

If he were to be convicted of the murder, he could serve 25 years to life in prison.