PARKERSBURG - A hearing to determine how long a Vienna man may be held in a mental facility or if his indictment for murder should be dismissed ended with an order to keep him in custody while the court considers the evidence.
In a hearing Wednesday Judge Jeffrey Reed ordered John N. Ralsten, 74, to remain in custody until further ordered.
Ralsten was arrested April 8, 2011, following a six-hour standoff with police at his Vienna home. His wife, Carol Ralsten, was shot twice and suffered a severe head wound, officials said.
In August, Ralsten, in custody, was found to be incompetent to stand trial after a forensic evaluation from Sharpe Hospital. According to court records, the court was informed it is not likely Ralsten will be able to attain competency.
Reed ordered the state to provide all its evidence for review and the defense to file any objection by Oct. 26.
