Markle case stalled by wait for mental health evaluation

Negotiations for a plea deal and progress toward a potential trial for the man accused in the 2015 shooting death of Justin Fish on Calvin Drive are currently stalled as attorneys wait for David Markle to undergo a mental evaluation with a professional.

Defense attorney Rick Sandborn says he’s recently attempted multiple times to make contact with the professional who is being hired with state funds to evaluate Markle, but he hasn’t had any luck.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling says he’s ready to negotiate toward a resolution, but it wouldn’t be proper until there’s clarity on whether Markle is mentally competent.

Markle’s case was continued until his scheduled trial date of March 12th, when all parties involved will reevaluate what progress has been made.