A 16-year-old New Mexico teenager is facing a competency evaluation that will delay a trial in the beating death of a 12-year-old playmate.
Defense attorney Tom Garde told a judge during a hearing Wednesday his client needed to be examined before the trial starts.
The teenager has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the February killing of Alex Madrid in an isolated part of Valencia County. The suspect told investigators he hit the Albuquerque boy in self-defense because he tried to stab him with a screwdriver.
The Associated Press typically doesn't identify juveniles charged in crimes. He recently turned 16.
Assistant District Attorney Bryan McKay said prosecutors were ready for trial but that the competency issue will cause a year delay.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.