Snavelys to be reevaluated at Larned State Hospital
Published on -1/22/2012, 8:00 PM
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By MIKE CORN
Two Hays residents will be spending 60 days at the Larned State Hospital, where they will receive yet a third evaluation to determine if they are competent to stand trial on a number of sex crimes involving a child.
District Judge Tom Toepfer on Friday decided both Clinton Eugene Snavely, 46, and his wife, Beverly Ann Snavely, 51, will be going to Larned after two Hays psychotherapists disagreed on their competency to stand trial.
In testimony Friday in Ellis County District Court, psychotherapists Tom Runge and Cathy Shaffer presented starkly differing views.
Runge, now in private practice, found both Snavelys competent to stand trial on the charges. Shaffer, based at High Plains Mental Health, determined neither one was competent.
She was not, however, able to say their incompetency was a result of mental illness.
Clinton Snavely, 46, faces 11 felony criminal charges involving sex with a child. Beverly Snavely, 51, faces four counts, involving the same child. The charges were filed Sept. 29.
"We've got reports from two highly qualified professionals," Toepfer said at the conclusion of a four-hour hearing Friday afternoon. "They have come to diametrically opposed positions. It's difficult for the court to say which one is correct."
Toepfer said the difference might fall to the simple issue of timing -- Shaffer's evaluation was in November while Runge conducted his in December.
"I'm going to refer them to the state hospital for further evaluation," he said. "I do not do this lightly. This is a serious matter. I want an opportunity for Larned State Hospital to assist the court in doing what's right."
While Toepfer could have sent the Snavelys to Larned for 90 days, he opted instead to go with a 60-day evaluation to keep the court proceedings moving forward.
"Bottom line, a final decision will be made after the report," Toepfer said of making a decision on the competency of the Snavelys.
It's not known when they will be transferred to Larned for the evaluations. They remain in the Ellis County jail in lieu of $500,000 bond each.
