KCBD, NewsChannel 11 Lubbock |NM boy accused of shooting dad denies charge
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Associated Press - November 18, 2009 7:35 PM ET
LOS LUNAS, N.M. (AP) - An 11-year-old New Mexico boy accused of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of his father has denied the charges against him.
District Attorney Lemuel Martinez said Wednesday that the boy did not appear in district court in Los Lunas for the hearing.
Martinez says the boy's defense attorney raised the issue of competency. He asked whether the boy can understand the nature of the proceedings against him and whether he can help his attorney with his defense.
The judge appointed an expert to evaluate the boy. Prosecutors asked for a separate evaluation.
The boy is accused of shooting 42-year-old Bryon Hilburn on Aug. 27 with a rifle at the family's home in Belen. He was 10 at the time. His name is being withheld because of his age.
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