Jacqmain not now competent for trial

WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) - Jack Jacqmain, who was ordered to undergo psychiatric tests to determine if he was mentally ill when he allegedly stabbed a man to death at a Motel 6, was deemed incompetent to stand trial at this time.

Jacqmain, 52, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, was ordered in September to undergo this mental evaluation to determine if he was mentally competent to understand the charges and help with his own defense.

The judge ruled Jacqmain -- who was not at the proceeding -- was not competent to stand trial on the charges, but they will revisit the issue in 90 days.

At the September hearing, his public defender, Valerie Foster, told Judge Peter Versluis, "I believe there is a question, a very, very valid question of competency and criminal responsibility that needs to be addressed."

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Stacia Barnes, the sister of victim Mark Moore, issued a written statement:

"The Moore family knew in advance what was thought to be the outcome of today's hearing. The prosecutor called and informed us that Jacqmain would not be present, and it would just be the defense attorney and prosecutor going before the judge today. He highly suggested we not travel 12 hours one way for a 10 minute hearing. We are all in distress over this outcome. But we have complete faith that the prosecutor will see this through and Jacqmain will stand trial for the murder of my brother, Mark Moore. The family is still in mourning over this senseless killing that could have been prevented, and in high hopes that this could never happen to another family."