A Tucson man charged with first-degree murder in the burning death of a local woman has been declared incompetent to stand trial.
Based on doctors’ reports, Pima County Superior Court Judge Deborah Bernini said Mondayshe has determined Anthony Lewis doesn’t understand the nature of the charges against him and is unable to assist his attorneys mount a defense.
Bernini ordered Lewis to participate in a competency restoration program at the Pima County jail, but unless or until he is restored to competency, all proceedings in his case will come to a halt, including hearings to determine if he is mentally impaired.
Angela Marie Hudson, 44, was severely burned after being attacked in her home on Sept. 22, 2008, and she died at a Phoenix burn center five months later.
Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty against Lewis if he is restored to competency and if doctors determine he is not mentally impaired.
