Suspect In Moore Workplace Beheading Deemed Competent To Stand Trial

A man accused of beheading his co-worker at Vaughan Foods in Moore has been deemed competent to stand trial.

The competency trial began on Monday for Alton Nolen, who is accused of beheading 54-year-old Colleen Hufford. Nolen had been suspended from his job at Vaughan Foods processing plant where they worked when the attack occurred on Sept. 25, 2014.

During the trial, Nolen's defense team contends their client is not competent to stand trial because he has a learning disability. 

10/27/2015 Related Story: Defense Team Contends OK Man Accused In Beheading Death Isn't Competent

However, on Wednesday, District Judge Lori Walkley deemed Nolen competent to stand trial, stating, “because there is no other evidence of a defect, psychological or otherwise, that would prevent Defendant from assisting in his defense, there is no dispute that he is able to appreciate the nature of the charges made against him. This court finds that Defendant is competent to undergo further criminal proceedings in this matter.”

Read the Judge's order here. 

The judge ordered to resume proceedings in this case, which have been stayed pending the determination of Nolen’s competency. 

Stay with us for updates.