Photo: Sarpy County Jail
PAPILLION, Nebraska -- A mental competency evaluation is being done on the man convicted of killing two people and injuring two others at the Bellevue Sonic Drive-In restaurant in November, 2020.
A lawyer for Roberto Carlos Silva, Jr. says his client's mental health has declined while in solitary confinement.
Attorney Chris Lathrop says he's not sure if Silva can assist in his own defense as the state prepares for the death penalty phase of his case.
A three-judge panel will determine if Silva's case warrants the death penalty being sought by prosecutors--but only after Silva is evaluated and those results are reviewed by the court.
Silva pleaded guilty last month to 15 felony counts including 1st degree murder and 1st degree arson.