Man found mentally unfit for trial in girl’s killing in Branson motel

FORSYTH, Mo. – A judge says a man accused of killing a 6-year-old girl after luring her into his southwest Missouri hotel room with snacks is not mentally fit to stand trial.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that the judge ordered John P. Roberts to be sent to a state hospital on Wednesday.

After treatment, the 55-year-old Roberts should be able to assist his attorneys in his defense and eventually stand trial.

Roberts is charged with first-degree murder in the February killing of Jasmine Miller.

The killing happened at an extended stay motel near several attractions in the tourist town of Branson.

A state psychiatrist says Roberts has an IQ of 57 and “a very basic low comprehension that he is in trouble.”

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 8:57 AM with the headline "Man found mentally unfit for trial in girl’s killing in Branson motel."