Suspected serial killer Anthony Kirkland is competent to stand trial for allegedly killing three area women, according to a court-appointed psychiatrist.
The Monday ruling by Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Kubicki Jr., was based on a report from Dr. Carol Helman. It clears the way for Kirkland's trial to start on November 2.
Kirkland is currently charged with murdering Casonya Crawford, Mary Jo Newton and Esme Kenney. If convicted of the Crawford and Kenney murders, he could be sentenced to death.
The competency finding means that Kirkland understands the charges that have been filed against him and can assist his legal team in preparing a defense.
Judge Kubicki's ruling wasn't a surprise to prosecutors or the defense.
"Dr. Helman made it clear that he's intelligent," said Hamilton County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Piepmeier. "He knows exactly what's going on."
Defense attorney Norm Aubin said that competency can come and go at any time.
"Today, he's competent and I have no reason to think he won't be competent as things go on, but we're being very careful to make sure that he stays that way," said Aubin.
The question remains whether the competency finding could lead to a claim of insanity during the trial or sentencing. Aubin says it's impossible to make that determination at this point. Piepmeier said he's had no indication that will be the case, but expressed a terse view of Kirkland.
"He's an evil person," Piepmeier said. "He doesn't do things because he's crazy. He does things because he's evil and that's what we expect the evidence to show if the doctors look at him for that purpose."
However, Aubin disagreed with that sentiment saying, "I think he's driven by things that even he can't control and doesn't understand. I don't think he's evil."
"I think there's a little difference between him and a person like Saddam Hussein or Hitler -- somebody like that in cold blood. knowing what they're doing," Aubin added. "He's in a completely different state than those people."
Aubin added that Kirkland has a history of mental illness.
While Kirkland faces murder charges in three cases, there might be more in the future. He's told authorities about a fourth and fifth possible victims.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said Friday he's prepared to go to a grand jury within 45 days to consider the death of Kimya Rolison, whose remains were found last June in a wooded area at the dead end of Pulte street in North Fairmount.
Reacting to Monday's court development, Esme Kenney's cousin, Brad, said, "In my opinion, Kirkland is right where he's supposed to be. We're glad that Kirkland is off the streets and that the wheels of justice are moving forward."
