Forest City, IA- A North Iowa man charged with attempted murder says he's competent to stand trial.
Timothy winter of Lake Mills, IA is accused of beating his mother. Police say they found a hammer at the scene.
Thursday's competency hearing took less than twenty minutes. Winter took the stand and told District Judge Colleen Wieland he understands the justice system.
A psychiatrist hired by the defense says he is competent to help in his own defense.
State prosecutors say winter has a history of mental problems, but with medication he can control those issues.
Winter's mother Cynthia recently died from a cause not related to the attack.
Assistant Attorney General Becky Gotch says they still have enough evidence to convict winter.
"Sometimes if you have a witness that is deceased that will be unable to testify sometimes that can affect the case, in this particular matter we still believe we can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt that the charges are still valid," she said.
Judge Wieland took the request from the defense to find winter competent under consideration.
The state expects her to make a ruling in the next week.
Winter has not entered a plea.
State prosecutors expect the trial to start in the first week of January if necessary.
