WINTER PARK, Fla. – In a hearing Wednesday for a man charged with murder in a Winter Park caretaker's death, an Orange County judge said the suspect was competent to stand trial.
“I do not believe the defense had met burden of proof ... Court finds Mr. Nelson is competent to proceed," Judge Keith White said.
BREAKING // Judge Keith White: “I do not believe the defense had met burden of proof... Court finds Mr Nelson is competent to proceed.” Nelson will face the death penalty in his upcoming trial for the murder of Jennifer Fulford. @news6wkmg
— Nadeen Yanes (@NadeenNews6) April 24, 2019
The competency hearing for Scott Nelson had been on hold for months since Nelson's arrest more than a year ago.
Nelson is accused of kidnapping and killing Jennifer Fulford in 2017. Her body was found days later in west Orange County.
Surveillance videos were later released of Nelson using the victim's credit card at an ATM following her disappearance.
Near the end of his hearing Wednesday, Scott said he wanted his trial as soon as possible.
A status hearing is scheduled to take place Thursday at 9 a.m. to set a trial date.
Nelson faces a string of charges, including first-degree murder, kidnapping and carjacking. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.