BY STEVE KEMME
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Franklin Saunders, right, in court Friday with his attorney, Rodney Harris
(Dick Swaim photo)
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HAMILTON -- A hearing next week will determine whether Franklin Saunders is competent to stand trial in the June 9 slaying of his ex-girlfriend.
Mr. Saunders has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping and violating a previous court order not to have weapons.
Evidence will be presented at the competency hearing Wednesday before Judge H.J. Bressler of Butler County Common Pleas Court. If Mr. Saunders is ruled to be competent, his trial will begin Nov. 16.
Judge Bressler issued a gag order Friday for all parties connected with the case.
Mr. Saunders, 39, of Blue Ash, is accused of dragging Lisa Weber, 39, of Fairfield, into his car June 9 and shooting her to death in woods in Butler County's Union Township.
He surrendered the morning after the shooting. He had been stalking Ms. Weber since she moved out of his apartment in May, police and members of the victim's family said.
Mr. Saunders, who is being held in Butler County Jail without bond, could face the death penalty if convicted.
His attorney, Rodney Harris, asked Judge Bressler to appoint a mitigation expert and a psychologist for the defense. A mitigation expert would testify on Mr. Saunders' behalf in the sentencing phase of the trial if there is a conviction.
Mr. Harris said Mr. Saunders has no money to pay for the expert and the psychologist because his assets have been frozen by a $1 million wrongful death civil lawsuit filed by Ms. Weber's family.
