Judge: Accused Athens killer Jamie Hood competent for trial

Sep 11, 2012 - 06:21
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Judge: Accused Athens killer Jamie Hood competent for trial
Jamie Hood

A judge has ruled that a man accused of killing one police officer and wounding another in Athens is competent to stand trial.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports (http://bit.ly/R72aes) that Clarke County Superior Court Judge David Sweat made the ruling Tuesday after hearing testimony from a single witness, a state psychologist who evaluated suspect Jamie Hood.

Hood is charged with killing police officer Elmer "Buddy" Christian III and wounding Tony Howard in March 2011. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

Karen Bailey-Smith, director of forensic services for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, testified Tuesday that Hood not only is competent but has demonstrated an above-average appreciation of how the court system operates.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.