Akron, Iowa — The Akron man who is accused of killing his mother is competent to stand trial.
That’s the ruling of District Judge Steven Andreasen. He says 45-year-old Jonathan Neunaber of Akron was examined by Dr. Tim Kockler for the state and Dr. Angela Stokes for the defense. The judge says both experts believe he has a factual understanding of the charge and legal proceedings because he has been able to recall details of the alleged crime, explain the circumstances and give accurate factual information to his attorney. Although Stokes diagnosed him with Asperger’s disorder and dependent personality disorder. She says those conditions negatively affect Neunaber’s ability to make rational decisions and render him unable to effectively assist his attorney. Judge Andreasen says that doesn’t mean Neunaber is incompetent to stand trial.
Plymouth County Attorney Darin Raymond has said that Neunaber previously admitted to causing the death of Esther Neunaber, but eventually pled not guilty. Both 80-year-old Esther, and her husband, 83-year-old Don Neunaber, were found dead at their rural Akron home on July 9th, 2014.
Jonathan Neunaber was not charged in his father’s death, which investigators say was a natural death.
