STROUDSBURG -- A Monroe County judge has denied a petition that alleged Ross Township shooter Rockne Newell is incompetent to stand trial.
Newell is accused of opening fire at a township meeting at the Ross Township Municipal Building on August 5, 2013, killing three and wounding two others.
Newell's attorneys argued he does not pay attention or remain focused when they attempt to discuss trial strategy with him.
According to court documents, the judge ruled the defense failed to provide sufficient evidence that Newell is incompetent. The judge decided Newell's refusal to cooperate with his attorneys is a result of his choice and not an inability to do so.
In December, Newell filed a lawsuit against the warden of the Monroe County Prison complaining about the food. The judge said that action did not demonstrate incompetence, but rather, "an attempt to control his immediate environment and an expression of his narcissistic tendencies.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.