Court Finds Murder Suspect Mentally Incompetent
Akeno Delajuan Rolla is deemed unfit to stand trial following a court-ordered mental evaluation.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Violence
A Hillsboro court has determined that 41-year-old Akeno Delajuan Rolla is mentally incompetent to stand trial for murder. The ruling follows an evaluation by psychologist Lee Carter, prompted by concerns regarding the defendant's mental stability.
Why it matters
This ruling halts the murder trial against Akeno Delajuan Rolla, who faces charges related to the November 2022 death of 69-year-old Leroy Bell. The court determined the defendant is currently unable to participate in his own legal defense.
Judge Justin Lewis is expected to formally declare the defendant incompetent and order treatment at an inpatient state mental facility. The initial charges stemmed from an November 2022 incident on Gould Street.
The players
Akeno Delajuan Rolla
He is a 41-year-old murder suspect currently found mentally incompetent to stand trial.
Leroy Bell
He was a 69-year-old victim who died following an assault in November 2022.
Lee Carter
He is the psychologist who performed the mental evaluation on the defendant.
Justin Lewis
He is the judge presiding over the criminal proceedings in Hillsboro.
Pat Dohoney
He is the defense attorney who formally requested the mental evaluation for his client.
The details
The murder charge arises from a physical altercation between Akeno Delajuan Rolla and Leroy Bell, which reportedly involved an argument over food items. Upon arrival at the Gould Street scene in November 2022, police discovered blood on the suspect's hands and clothing.
Timeline
November 2022: Leroy Bell was beaten in an incident on Gould Street.
October 2, 2026: A superseding indictment was filed in the case.
October 19, 2026: The court addressed the mental competency of the defendant.
Legal Context
This finding follows the standard established by the Dusky v. United States competency precedent, which requires a defendant to demonstrate the capacity to consult with counsel. The decision marks a procedural pause in the murder case as the court shifts toward psychiatric care.
The transition to inpatient mental health treatment removes the suspect from the local Hillsboro detention system while the case is paused. Residents are not subject to immediate safety advisories as the court has assumed control of the defendant's placement.
The takeaway
The court's ruling ensures that the judicial process adheres to constitutional requirements regarding a defendant's mental state. This procedural outcome highlights the reliance of the legal system on clinical evaluations before criminal matters can proceed to trial.
Further reading
For additional context on legal proceedings in the region, visit the Hillsboro Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwtx.
