Watford city, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A Watford City man accused of killing his mother in 2023 has been ordered to the North Dakota State Hospital for up to 180 days to regain competency for trial.
In January, Scott Richard Beane expressed his desire to represent himself at trial. The judge, questioning Beane’s competency, ordered an evaluation for his “Fitness to Proceed and Criminal Responsibility.” Following the evaluation, the judge mandated Beane’s commitment to the state hospital for up to 180 days in an effort to restore his competency.
A status conference is scheduled in 45 days to assess Beane’s progress.
The incident occurred on September 12, 2023, when police responded to a residence in McKenzie County and found Beane’s mother dead from burns. Beane was discovered hiding in the bathroom. He allegedly told police he saw his mother on fire, closed the door, and used a chair to wedge it shut. The fire was determined to be incendiary, indicating it was intentionally set.
Beane faces a Class AA Murder charge and another felony charge for illegal gun possession.