Natalee Holloway: A Case That Captivated The Nation

Mitchell Is Ruled as Incompetent to Stand Trial Second Time

After neither party could settle on a plea bargain, Mitchell was mentally evaluated again. Dr. Jennifer Skeem, a psychologist who initially said Mitchell was competent to stand trial, interviewed him again in 2005 at the request of the defense. Mitchell’s attorney, Heidi Buchi filed a brief that said Mitchell was no longer competent to stand trial.

Many people believed this was a rouse. Mitchell began acting out in court, but his behavior in jail remained calm and unchanged. Still, Judge Judy Atherton agreed with the defense and believed that Mitchell was exhibiting signs of psychosis. He re-entered Utah State Hospital in August of 2005 and stayed there until 2008.