Judge Finds Oakdale Shooting Suspect Incompetent to Stand Trial

An Oakdale man who has been charged with killing a 9-year-old boy has been found incompetent to stand trial.

Washington County District Judge Gary Schurrer ruled Nhan Lap Tran is not mentally capable of being a defendant in a trial at this time, according to a Pioneer Press story.

"I have reviewed the report with my client and he understands he needs a bit more treatment before he's able to go to trial," public defender Susan Drabek said, according to the Pioneer Press.

Tran was charged with second-degree intentional murder, second-degree felony murder during an assault, first-degree assault and two counts of assault in the second degree with a dangerous weapon.

According to the criminal complaint, Tran stood in the middle of Seventh Street near Hadley Avenue on Feb. 11, 2013, and opened fire with a 9mm handgun on passing motorists.

Devin Aryal, 9, died from a gunshot wound to the head. Two female victims, including Devin's mother, Melissa Aryal, were wounded. 

This is the third time doctors have assessed Tran's competency, according to the Pioneer Press.

The next competency review hearing is set for May 29, 2014.

Hannah Gruber contributed to this report.