(COLDWATER) - The man accused of running down an elderly couple is competent to stand trial.
Branch County Circuit Court officials say Judge Bill O'Grady has found that 23 year old McCain Snyder is competent and his case will move forward.
Snyder is facing two charges of attempted murder for an incident on June 10, 2024.
According to Michigan State Police, Snyder allegedly drove his pick up into the grass as he drove out of Simco Drive in Kinderhook Township, striking 81 year old David Sluyter and his 77 year old wife Jill Sluyter. Troopers say the Sluyter's were walking to Synder's mother's home to let her know about accusations he made against them.
Troopers say the Sluyters told them that Snyder came to their home earlier that day and accused them of sexually abusing their granddaughter, that Snyder was accused of stalking. The Sluyters told the troopers that Snyder told them he would be back.
Investigators say Snyder's mother told them her son had recently been smoking a lot of marijuana, plus writing on the walls and had become fixated on Biblical passages. She also said her son told her the Sluyters assaulted their granddaughter. However, the girl has denied any assaults happened and said she did not have any kind of relationship with Snyder.
Jill Sluyter suffered head and internal injuries, along with a broken pelvis and back. David Sluyter has multiple fractures to his legs.
Snyder's competency ruling followed a series of mental evaluations after he was found incompetent to stand trial in September 2024. After being treated at the State Center for Forensic Psychiatry and further evaluations, a third psychiatrist's report was accepted by the prosecution and Snyder's attorney, which determines that he is now capable of assisting in his defense.