Alleged killer incompetent?

A psychologist recently determined that Joshua Epstein, the man charged with killing Randell Sexton in front of the 7-Eleven at the corner of First and Main streets in late August, is mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Early on Aug. 31, Epstein, 30, and Stephanie Vogel, 23, allegedly beat 44-year-old Sexton with a skateboard and repeatedly stabbed him in the head and upper torso, according to police. Sexton was pronounced dead on arrival at Enloe Medical Center. Epstein has been charged with murder, while Vogel faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon; both pleaded not guilty on Sept. 10.

Dr. Paul Wuehler, appointed by Butte County Superior Court to evaluate Epstein, testified on Nov. 5 that Epstein is mentally incapable of understanding his charges. Starting in early December, he will stay in a mental facility until he’s deemed capable of standing trial.

Vogel’s next hearing is set for Dec. 9.