Experts testify on competency of accused KC area serial killer Fredrick Scott
Expert witnesses gave differing testimony during a hearing in Jackson County Circuit Court Monday about whether accused Indian Creek serial killer Frederick Demond Scott is mentally fit to stand trial.
James Reynolds, a forensic psychologist, testified for the defense that it was his opinion that Scott was not competent to stand trial because he has schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions. Scott also lacks rational expectations and is overly optimistic about his case, Reynolds said.
Meanwhile, Nicole Seymour, a senior psychologist with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, testified it was her opinion that Scott understands the court proceedings and can consult and assist his attorney.
At the end of the hearing, which lasted several hours, Jackson County Judge Charles H. McKenzie told Scott’s attorneys and prosecutors that he would issue an order in the case, but did not set a date as to when that ruling would be coming.
Scott, 30, has been accused in the killings of Steven Gibbons, 57; John Palmer, 54; David Lenox, 67; Timothy S. Rice, 57; Mike Darby, 61; and Karen Harmeyer, 64. The killings took place between 2016 and Scott’s arrest in August 2017.
Harmeyer was killed in Grandview, while the rest of the fatal shootings took place along the Indian Creek Trail in south Kansas City. All of the victims were shot without warning, some outside of their homes.
Scott has been awaiting trial in the case while the court deals with issues surrounding his competency.
In July 2021, Scott was initially ruled mentally unfit to stand trial by a Jackson County judge. A second Jackson County judge ruled in October 2021 that Scott was mentally competent to stand trial. Due to the discrepancy over Scott’s mental state, trials set for 2022 and 2023 were canceled.
Since two different judges gave conflicting opinions on mental competency, state law dictates that a separate competency hearing should take place.
McKenzie had scheduled a competency hearing for last July, but McKenzie cleared the room following an outburst by Scott.
Scott appeared at Monday’s hearing in an orange jail outfit, with his hands and feet shackled.
This story was originally published June 16, 2025 at 6:25 PM.
