KALAMAZOO, Mich – A man charged with killing six people during a series of apparently random shootings in the Kalamazoo area has been found competent to understand the murder charges and assist his attorney.
The criminal case against Jason Dalton has been on hold for weeks while experts determined whether he can assist his lawyer. Michigan State Police say he's been found competent. A judge agreed during a court hearing held Friday in Kalamazoo.
The exam wasn't intended to determine whether Dalton was insane at the time of the Feb. 20 shootings. That's a separate matter. Defense attorney Eusebio Solis wants Dalton's statements suppressed, although prosecutor Jeff Getting said he doesn't plan to use them on May 20, the date of a critical hearing to determine if there's enough evidence to send the case to trial.
Outside court, Getting said no plea deals would be offered.
"Mr. Dalton can plead guilty any time he wants," he said.
Dalton is charged with murder and attempted murder. Police say the 45-year-old man shot people outside an apartment building, a restaurant and a car dealership in between driving for Uber.
Two victims survived.