Accused Tulare County Cop Killer in Court

3/27/2008 Fresno, CA Prosecutors say Jorge Banda shot and killed deputy Kent Haws last December while Haws was making a traffic stop. Banda's attorney believes his client isn't competent to stand trial.

Wednesday's court proceedings were to review the results of psychological evaluations of Banda's mental state. But the hearing was delayed because one psychologists' evaluation wasn't ready.

The defendant's attorney did request an interpreter for future court dates. "My original psychologist that examined him and gave us a report did so in the Spanish language exclusively," said Band's Attorney Neal Pedowitz.

Prosecutor David Alavezos said, "I really can't comment on whether he needs one or not. The court made its statement based on what was there and I'll leave it at that."

Kent Haws' wife, parents and other family members were also in court Wednesday.

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