x
Breaking News
More () »

Hearing set to determine if Waffle House shooting suspect Travis Reinking is fit to stand trial

The hearing signals that Reinking's original mental health evaluation is complete and that doctors believe he needs additional therapy or medicine in order to be fit for trial, said Nashville defense attorney Will Conway.

A hearing is set for next week to determine if Travis Reinking, the man suspected of killing four people in a mass shooting at a Nashville Waffle House, is mentally fit to stand trial.

Court officials said a motion for judicial commitment is expected in the case. If the judge grants the motion, Reinking's criminal case would be put on hold while he was sent to an in-patient mental hospital for intensive therapy.

It was initially unclear if the motion would come from Reinking's attorneys or prosecutors. Both sides declined to comment.

Legal experts have said an insanity defense is possible in this case. But, while that argument depends upon Reinking's mental state at the time of the April 22 shooting, this hearing will seek to determine Reinking's mental state now.

More: Waffle House shooting suspect left trail of bizarre behaviors in Colorado

The hearing signals that Reinking's original mental health evaluation is complete and that doctors believe he needs additional therapy or medicine in order to be fit for trial, said Nashville defense attorney Will Conway.

"He has to be committed by a judge and then he can go out to" the hospital, Conway said. "The goal is to get them competent so they can stand trial."

Reinking, 29, has been held without bond while the criminal case is pending.

Reinking is charged in the deaths of Taurean C. Sanderlin, 29; Joe R. Perez, 20; DeEbony Groves, 21; and Akilah DaSilva, 23. He also faces four counts of attempted homicide and one count of using a firearm while committing a dangerous felony.

Perez's and DaSilva's families have filed civil lawsuits against Reinking and his family.

More: Waffle House shooting: Suspect Travis Reinking previously fired because he was 'paranoid'

Reach Adam Tamburin at 615-726-5986 and atamburin@tennessean.com. Follow him on Twitter @tamburintweets.

Before You Leave, Check This Out