Lawyer Wants Evaluation of Wyoming Man Accused of Killing Mother

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The public defender for a Wyoming man charged with first-degree murder in the death of his mother has requested a mental competency evaluation for his client.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported Sunday that attorney Brandon Booth has asked for 48-year-old James Wallace to be evaluated whether he understands the charges and can assist in his legal defense.

Wallace is accused of killing 80-year-old Carol Wallace, whose body was found face down in the basement of a home northwest of Cheyenne last month.

According to court documents, Wallace's brother had called police, saying Wallace was high on methamphetamine and had hit his mother with a hammer.

The autopsy indicated she suffered blunt-force trauma to the head and chest, a gunshot wound to the head and a cutting wound on the chest.