Judge makes final ruling on accused I-40 shooter’s competency to stand trial
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- Andrew Graney, 25, is accused of shooting into cars on I-40 and apartments in 2024.
- A psychiatrist found he had untreated schizophrenia last year, so his case was suspended.
- A judge ruled Monday that Graney is capable of understanding the charges against him.
A former N.C. State University student accused of shooting into occupied cars and apartment buildings over several days in the fall of 2024 has been found competent to stand trial.
Andrew Thomas Graney, 25, faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or seriously injure, in the November 2024 incidents, The News & Observer previously reported. At least eight vehicles and four homes were damaged and a woman was injured.
Graney, a senior majoring in anthropology at the time of the shootings, has been in jail since his Nov. 7, 2024 arrest, court records indicate.
Graney was found incapable to proceed with a trial in August, after a forensic psychiatrist at Central Regional Hospital said he had untreated schizophrenia. He had previously been hospitalized at least four times for self-injury and hallucinations and was on suicide watch at the jail prior to being committed to Central Regional Hospital.
Graney has since been deemed competent, Assistant District Attorney Patrick Latour said in court Monday. After reviewing a forensic psychiatrist’s evaluation — the contents of which are not public record under HIPAA — Judge Jennifer Bedford ruled Graney was capable of assisting in his own defense and proceeding with any criminal trial against him.
Per Graney’s defense attorney’s request, Bedford also ordered that Graney continue receiving mental health treatment at Central Regional Hospital as long as necessary.
The Wake County District Attorney’s Office has reportedly offered Graney a plea deal, according to court documents, but it’s not clear what the terms would be.
Graney’s next court date had not been set as of Monday afternoon.
