WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A competency exam was ordered Tuesday for Tyler Knutson, the suspect in a road rage homicide in Iola.
Knutson, 23, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide for allegedly stabbing Bradley Trinwith on Jan. 25.
In court Tuesday, Knutson’s attorney raised the issue of competency – which relates to Knutson’s ability to understand the proceedings and assist in his own defense. Judge Vicki Clussman ordered a psychiatric exam. The results will be reviewed at March 11 hearing, court records show.
The psychiatric review does not address Knutson’s mental state at the time of the alleged crime; that can be addressed at a later stage of the case.
The incident started outside the Thirsty Perch, after the car Knutson was in was nearly hit by the car that Trinwith was in. The drivers of both vehicles describe aggressive driving on the part of the other, including following too closely, blinking between high and low beam headlights, and the lead vehicle braking numerous times. One vehicle pulled into a driveway, where Knutson and Trinwith got into a fight – and Knutson allegedly stabbed Trinwith.
At a previous court hearing, Knutson’s relatives claimed his actions were in self-defense.
A conviction on the first-degree intentional homicide count would result in a life prison term.
