Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Man accused of killing mother with guitar ruled competent

Man accused of killing mother with guitar ruled competent | iNFOnews.ca
This undated photo provided by the Des Moines County Correctional Center shows Garret Selters. A judge said Selters is competent to stand trial on allegations that he used an electric guitar to beat his mother to death. (Des Moines County Correctional Center via AP) A

BURLINGTON, Iowa – A judge says an Iowa man is competent to stand trial on allegations that he used an electric guitar to beat his mother to death.

Des Moines County District Court records say the judge filed the ruling Monday on 29-year-old Garret Selters, who has been undergoing treatment at a state mental health facility in Oakdale since the killing. He initially was ruled incompetent.

Selters, of Burlington, has pleaded not guilty to murder. Prosecutors say he swung the guitar into the head of 56-year-old Linda Selters at her home on Oct. 17.

Defence lawyers say Selters will use an insanity defence at trial, which is allowed under Iowa rules. The trial has yet to be scheduled.

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

Abbey Westbury

Related Articles