DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) -- The man accused of killing Virginia State Master Trooper J.A. Walker last year was deemed unfit to stand trial during a Friday court hearing.
Dinwiddie County Commonwealth’s Attorney Lisa Caruso said that a court elevator ruled Russell Brown is mentally incompetent and will not face a judge or jury.
Brown was charged with capital murder of a police officer, attempted capital murder of a police officer and use of a firearm in committing a felony.
Commonwealth's Attorney Lisa Caruso said despite the setback she still wants justice for Trooper Walker's loved ones.
"I'm disappointed because the family is looking for closure and I'm able to give it to them right now," Caruso said.
The 28-year-old Brown who looked disheveled during his brief court appearance was ordered to Central State Hospital for treatment. Caruso hopes his competency is restored so she can prosecute Brown in a court of law.
Retired Trooper Jimmy Worley, was close friend of Walker's, said Brown will eventually pay for his crimes.
"I'm keeping up with the case," Worley said. "If like to see that justice do the family fair, but ultimately one day he will answer for what he did."
During a brief court hearing in late October, Walker's family came face to face with Brown.
Prosecutors and the defense agreed on the doctor that would perform Brown's mental evaluation to determine if he was mentally competent enough to understand the charges he faces and stand trial. Since this is a capital murder trial, Brown could face the death penalty.
[Click here to read more coverage of this case]
Last year, a search warrant filed in Chesterfield Circuit Court in connection with the shooting death of Walker provided insight into the the mindset of the accused killer.
After his capture, Russell Brown told state police that God told him to shoot and kill Walker, according to the court document. Brown also turned to the interviewing trooper and said that the trooper was the next to die.
Master Trooper Walker, courtesy of Virginia State Police.
According to the warrant, Brown told troopers he smoked marijuana on March 7, the day of the shooting. Police said found residue of a "green leafy substance" in the vehicle Brown was driving. Police also found a magazine containing two live rounds inside the car, according to the warrant.
Police said they spoke with Brown's grandmother who said she'd spoken to Russell recently and that over the last month or so he'd been talking about the bible and not making much sense. She said that was unlike her grandson, the warrant indicated.
The warrant also indicated Brown's landlord recently called the suspect to inform him he was behind on his rent. The landlord said he noticed Brown had not been acting like himself.
Thousands of people attended a funeral service for Walker last March. Gov. McDonnell was among the speakers who honored the fallen trooper.
RELATED:
