Steuernagel’s son charged with two counts of murder
Officials to meet today to review competency
A grand jury amended Sky Walker’s indictment with two counts of murder stemming from the death of his mother, political science professor Gertrude Steuernagel.
Walker, 18, was initially charged with attempted murder after his mother was found severely beaten on the kitchen floor of their Franklin Township home in January. She died Feb. 6 at Akron City Hospital.
| PAST EVENTS Jan. 29: Steuernagel found beaten in kitchen of her Franklin Township home. Feb. 6: Steuernagel died at Akron City Hospital, after a week in critical condition. Feb. 10: Walker arraigned in Portage County Court of Common Pleas. Feb. 13: Memorial service for Steuernagel held in Kiva. Feb. 23: Portage County Probate Court rules Walker incompetent and appoints him a guardian – Ravenna-based attorney Deron Boring. |
Earlier this month, prosecutors sent Walker’s charges back to a grand jury to be reconsidered. Walker also faces one count of assault of a law enforcement officer.
Probate Judge Thomas Carnes ruled Monday that Walker, who is autistic, was incompetent and appointed him a guardian, Ravenna-based attorney Deron Boring. That incompetence ruling, however, has no bearing on the criminal charges against Walker or his ability to stand trial. Boring will be in place to make medical and financial decisions on behalf of Walker, Judge Carnes said.
A separate competency evaluation performed by the Summit County Pyscho-Diagnostic Clinic was submitted by Common Pleas Judge John Enlow earlier this week, according to the clinic.
No hearing has been scheduled yet in the case. Judge Enlow, prosecutor Victor Vigluicci and Walker’s attorney’s are scheduled to have a closed conference today to review the results of the competency report.
Walker’s attorney Gian de Caris declined to comment.
Contact public affairs reporter Jenna Staul at [email protected].