Another update today in the case of Ryan Cox, charged with malicious harassment (hate crime) and third-degree assault for allegedly attacking a man with a baseball bat because of his perception of the victim’s sexual orientation. The incident happened as they left a Metro bus in Luna Park in late October. After repeated postponements, Cox finally had a competency hearing in King County Superior Court today. According to the paperwork, Judge Palmer Robinson found Cox not competent to stand trial, consulting results of an evaluation done in jail (documents indicate Cox was not present at today’s hearing). But, unlike previous cases against Cox in a lower court (mostly dealing with the homophobic-graffiti vandalism for which he first made news in 2009), that did not mean the charges were dismissed; Cox instead has been committed to Western State Hospital, for an attempt to restore him to competency. Felony cases allow the system more time for that process – 45 days on the level at which Cox has been charged (some felony charges allow up to 90 days for restoration). The next court date in his case is February 6th.
West Seattle, Washington
24 Wednesday
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