Following a 2-day fitness hearing in late January, Washington County Judge Ricardo Menchaca ruled that Salvador Martinez-Romero is mentally fit for trial.
Martinez-Romero is accused of killing Janet Risch and wounding several others with a knife during a Wells Fargo bank robbery and attempted escape in 2019.
He was previously declared unfit to stand trial in 2020.
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In making his ruling, Menchaca noted that Oregon State Hospital records state Martinez-Romero passed his GED test, had articulate speech, and was able to tell nursing students clearly about what aid and assist means.
The judge also noted that, based on evidence, he was concerned Martinez-Romero was malingering at OSH to avoid standing trial for his crimes.
Judge Menchaca acknowledged that there was evidence Martinez-Romero has schizophrenia, but nonetheless demonstrates an understanding of the legal system and roles of the attorneys and judge.
The next court hearing is set for February 16th, when a trial date could potentially be set.
Martinez-Romero will stand trial on 14 charges , including first-degree murder, 3 counts of attempted murder, 3 counts of first-degree assault, and 7 counts of first-degree robbery.