Attack

Incompetence declared in alleged rape case

One of four men charged in the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl earlier this year is incompetent to stand trial, a judge found Thursday.

District Court Judge Paula Martin found the 27-year-old Lawrence man can’t assist in his defense or understand the charges against him.

Martin stayed the proceedings and ordered the suspect admitted to Larned State Security Hospital, where doctors will evaluate whether he can become competent.

Attorney Geoffrey Clark told Martin that his client’s version of what happened the night of the alleged rape changed every time he told it.

“We can’t figure out what happened,” he said.

The man collects Supplemental Security Income for a mental disability and has a neurological condition that limits his brain activity, a doctor who evaluated the man testified.

Two other men are charged in connection with the June 14 incident at a residence in central Lawrence. An 18-year-old Lawrence man pleaded guilty last month to attempted rape in the case.

Courts

Sentencing delayed in N. Lawrence beating

An Emporia man will appear in court today to be sentenced for his role in a group beating and robbery at a North Lawrence motel.

Sentencing for Leslie T. Howe, 23, was supposed to happen Thursday afternoon, but his attorney couldn’t make it because of a hearing in another courtroom, prosecutor Dave Zabel said.

Howe had a limited role in the March 10 attack at the Jayhawk Motel, 1004 N. Third St., on 21-year-old Josh Greemore of Mayetta, witnesses told police. An officer testified that a co-defendant told him Howe joined in the beating only at the urging of another member of the group.

Prosecutors initially charged Howe with aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery and felony theft. They reduced the charges to aggravated battery, felony theft and misdemeanor theft as part of a plea agreement.

Gas prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found a Lawrence-area gasoline price as low as $1.63 at three stations: Citgo, 2005 W. Ninth St., Zarco 66 No. 3, 900 Iowa; and Hillcrest Amoco, 914 Iowa. If you find a lower price, call Pump Patrol at 832-7154.