OLATHE, Kan. — The 73-year-old man accused of killing three people at Jewish centers in Johnson County, Kan., complained on Tuesday that he’s not getting a speedy trial.
A judge ordered that mental health experts evaluate Frazier Glenn Cross to determine whether he’s competent to stand trial.
The avowed racist and anti-semite is charged with capital murder and premeditated murder. Cross’s capital punishment defense team told a judge they’re concerned about whether the outspoken man can assist them in his defense.
Cross is accused of shooting and killing Reat Underwood, 14, his grandfather, William Corporan, 69, and Terri Lamanno, 53. The shootings happened outside the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom, an assisted living center.
Judge Kelly Ryan ordered the competency exam and scheduled a hearing to review the results on December 18. That prompted an outburst from Cross, who complained that the court proceedings are taking too long.
“Thirty days!” Cross cried out in court. “That would be in contravention (sic) with a speedy trial in my opinion. I want a speedy trial not a drawn out one, so that the DA can get re-elected.”
Cross, who sat in a wheelchair and waved to someone as he entered court, said he wanted a delay of no more than a week. He also spoke up saying he wanted a waiver, before the judge cut him off. Judge Ryan advised him to discuss his questions with his attorneys.
The district attorney has not yet said whether he will seek the death penalty against Cross, but it’s not unusual for the state’s death penalty defense team to be involved whenever there’s a capital murder charge.
Cross is believed to be the oldest person ever to face a capital murder charge in Kansas.
