Judge delays murder suspect ruling

Confidential hearing Monday focused on Sem's competency.

The Fairfield Ledger/March 16, 2004
By Erik Gable

The results of Monday afternoon's competency hearing for Shuvender Sem, the 24-year-old Maharishi University of Management student charged with killing fellow student Levi Butler March 1, have been sealed and a judge has delayed a ruling while he seeks more information.

Jefferson County attorney Tim Dille, who is prosecuting the case, said he could not discuss details of Monday's hearing, which was held to determine whether Sem is competent to stand trial. Eighth Judicial District Judge Michael R. Mullins declared the proceedings confidential.

Dille said he doesn't know when the judge will make a ruling on Sem's competency.

"Basically he's asking for more information before he makes a final decision," Dille said.

For the moment, Sem's scheduled March 29 arraignment is postponed.