Murder suspect sent for mental checks

DOUBLE murder suspect Romeo Schiefer, who is accused of killing his parents in their home in Khomasdal early this year, is set to undergo psychiatric observation before the start of his trial.

The 19-year-old Schiefer’s lawyer, Jan Wessels, yesterday made use of Schiefer’s latest pre-trial appearance in the High Court in Windhoek, where his trial is set to take place, to ask Acting Judge John Manyarara to order that Schiefer be sent for a month-long period of psychiatric observation. Deputy Prosecutor General Antonia Verhoef did not oppose Wessels’s application.Wessels also told the court that he wants Schiefer to be evaluated by two psychiatrists.The purpose of this is to see if Schiefer would be capable of understanding proceedings in his trial, and whether, considering his mental state now and at the time of his alleged crimes, he can be held criminally responsible for the deeds he is accused of.Schiefer is accused of murdering his parents, Frans and Francina Schiefer, both 50 years old, in their home in Khomasdal on the evening of January 18 this year.He is denying the charges.In the indictment that Schiefer is set to face at his trial, it is alleged that an argument erupted between Schiefer and one or both of his parents during the evening of January 18.Schiefer then stabbed his mother with a knife of knives in the head and neck, it is charged.He also took his father’s firearm and shot his father at least once in the neck, it is alleged.He further shot his mother at least nine times in the head, neck and body, it is further charged in the indictment.Schiefer also stole his mother’s bank card and a document containing its PIN code, the State is alleging further.Schiefer is charged with two counts of murder and one of robbery with aggravating circumstances.He remains in custody, having been arrested on the day after the double slaying.Schiefer must appear in the High Court again on October 16.Deputy Prosecutor General Antonia Verhoef did not oppose Wessels’s application.Wessels also told the court that he wants Schiefer to be evaluated by two psychiatrists.The purpose of this is to see if Schiefer would be capable of understanding proceedings in his trial, and whether, considering his mental state now and at the time of his alleged crimes, he can be held criminally responsible for the deeds he is accused of.Schiefer is accused of murdering his parents, Frans and Francina Schiefer, both 50 years old, in their home in Khomasdal on the evening of January 18 this year.He is denying the charges.In the indictment that Schiefer is set to face at his trial, it is alleged that an argument erupted between Schiefer and one or both of his parents during the evening of January 18.Schiefer then stabbed his mother with a knife of knives in the head and neck, it is charged.He also took his father’s firearm and shot his father at least once in the neck, it is alleged.He further shot his mother at least nine times in the head, neck and body, it is further charged in the indictment.Schiefer also stole his mother’s bank card and a document containing its PIN code, the State is alleging further.Schiefer is charged with two counts of murder and one of robbery with aggravating circumstances.He remains in custody, having been arrested on the day after the double slaying.Schiefer must appear in the High Court again on October 16.

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