Judge contemplates further examination for accused killer

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BRANSON MO NEWS: Nearly three years after the murder of a 6-year-old girl, the accused killer might undergo more examination by the Department of Mental Health.

John Roberts, 58, is accused of murdering Jasmine Miller in a motel room where he lived. Miller’s family were neighbors in the same motel.

During a hearing Dec. 19, Judge Jason Brown announced he is considering whether to permit an exam, limited in scope, by the Department of Mental Health, according to online court records. 

“The judge basically indicated that he is entertaining the idea of the Department of Mental Health do a limited review of defendant’s situation,” Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell said after the hearing.

Certain aspects of Roberts’ mental health was discussed during the hearing; however, on Dec. 8, the court ordered that media is “strictly prohibited from reporting, repeating or divulging any healthcare or mental health evidence or information mentioned or referenced in any court proceeding or filing, until further court order.”

Before Judge Brown will make a decision on an examination for Roberts, both the state and Roberts’ public defender, James Egan, must submit their opinions on the proposed order by Jan. 3.

Roberts pleaded not guilty Nov. 9 to first-degree murder. At the time, Egan objected to the arraignment based on Roberts’ competency, but his objection was overruled. However, Egan made it clear he intends to file a motion regarding Roberts’ ability to stand trial. Roberts spent months under psychiatric observation before being declared fit to stand trial.

Roberts was initially declared unfit for trial in September 2015 by the Missouri Department of Mental Health because “he lacks the mental capacity to understand the proceedings against him or to assist in his own defense,” according to an online court docket at the time. The judge subsequently ordered Roberts continue with treatment.

Then in July 2016, …



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