NEW KEN MAN RULED COMPETENT FOR TRIAL

A Westmoreland County Judge ruled yesterday that a New Kensington man charged with killing his former roommate last summer is mentally competent and his trial could move forward.  The Trib reports that 40-year-old Nico Lee Harris is charged with criminal homicide, burglary and trespassing in connection with the July 5th killing of 58-year-old David Risher.  His body was found in a home on Freeport Road that the two had once shared.  New Kensington magisterial district Judge Frank Pallone canceled a preliminary hearing in July when he questioned Harris’ competency. During that court appearance Harris contended he was the son of former President Donald Trump and husband to former first Lady Michelle Obama in addition to making other statements that raised doubt about his mental state.  The judge held off on making a formal ruling, saying both Harris’ defense attorney and the district attorney’s office wanted to formally question the doctor about his findings at a hearing to be scheduled later this year.