Jury Ponders If Prince is Fit for Trial

Douglas County jurors are leaning 11-1 on a decision whether or not Gevin Allen Prince, the 16-year-old boy who is accused of killing his great-grandmother with a samurai sword, is fit for trial. Which way they are leaning is not yet evident.

After hearing testimony and closing statements by both sides Wednesday, the jury spent about two hours deliberating and indicated they were leaning 11-1 on a decision, according to the Douglas County Sentinel.

The competency trial began Tuesday, before Douglas County Superior Court Judge Robert James.

Prince, who was 15 at the time, is accused of killing his great-grandmother, Mary Joan Gibbs, 77,  on Aug. 15, 2011.

There are reportedly conflicting reports as to Prince's mental ability. The Sentinel reported that Prince has Asperger’s Syndrome, according to testimony and information heard in court.

Some tests showed that Prince’s mental state is not sufficient for him to aid in his defense or fully understand what he has done, according to the newspaper, and competency is important as it could open the door for an insanity plea.

The newspaper noted that the judge explained to the jury that there are three things to consider: does Prince understand the charges against him, where does he stand in relation to those charges and is Prince capable of assisting his attorney in his own defense.

Related Douglasville Patch stories:

DA: Teen Stabbed Great-Grandma Again After She Died

15-Year-Old Denied Bond in Fatal Stabbing of His Great-Grandmother

Grandmother: ‘I Tried My Best' to Help

15-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Today's Douglas County Sheriff's Blotter