Prosecutors in four counties cleared a hurdle Wednesday morning when a 43-year-old Wixom man was found competent to stand trial for shooting incidents along 100 miles of the I-96 corridor.
Raulie Casteel underwent tests for mental competency and criminal responsibility in January. The exams were ordered by Michigan Attorney General Shuette (pronounced Shoo-Tee) in December, after he charged Casteel with terrorism.
Presumably, local prosecutors joined in on the process.
Either the terrorism charge or a county charge of assault with intent to murder could result in a life sentence.
Casteel allegedly started shooting at cars and people on October 16. Before he was arrested, 24 shooting incidents were reported in Ingham, Shiawassee, Livingston and Oakland Counties.
One man was injured.
The determination of competency was made this morning by a judge in the 53rd district court in Howell, in Livingston County.
Casteel has been arraigned there on six felony counts arising from a single incident.
On Thursday, Casteel will travel to Oakland County, where he faces 60 charges.
The finding of competency means Casteel comprehends the charges against him, and can assist in his defense. It does not rule out an insanity defense.
No one knows what motivated the shooting spree.
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