Jury finds alleged Stockton serial killer competent to stand trial

STOCKTON, Calif. (KGO) -- A jury has found Wesley Brownlee, the man accused of killing six people and trying to kill a seventh in Stockton, competent to stand trial.

Brownlee is accused of committing the killings and attempted killing between 2021 and 2022. The district attorney has said he will seek the death penalty in the case.

Legal analysts said Wednesday's competency decision gives prosecutors an advantage.

"His mental status at the time of the event will be at issue. Also, he could deteriorate further. If he were to deteriorate he could have a second motion made on whether or not he's competent to stand trial. It's a harder burden to make that claim again," legal analyst Allen Sawyer said.

The defense still has the option to appeal the decision.

Brownlee's trial is expected to begin in six months to a year.