OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A competency hearing for the man accused of killing three tourists outside a Kissimmee Airbnb was delayed Thursday, pushing back a key step in a case that drew national attention.
Ahmad Bojeh, 29, faces three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the Jan. 17 shooting deaths of three visitors from Ohio who were staying at an Airbnb near his home. The victims were in the area to attend a local car show.
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Bojeh was arrested after deputies identified him as the shooter. He lived in the home next to the rental property where the victims were staying.
Bojeh has a prior criminal history connected to gun violence. In 2022, he stood trial for attempted murder after allegedly shooting at a person and at random vehicles at a Kissimmee gas station. He was acquitted by reason of insanity and was barred from owning a gun.
Following his arrest in the current case, both the prosecution and defense had Bojeh evaluated for competency.
Thursday’s hearing was expected to produce a ruling on those evaluations, but the proceedings hit another snag because the judge assigned to this case was out.
The substitute judge on the bench, Judge Hal C. Epperson Jr. of Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, explained the reasoning for the delay.
“Because there is no consensus between the parties, between the state and the defense with respect to the court relying exclusively on the two evaluations that have been completed, and given the nature of the case, it’s appropriate for the court, who has stewardship over this matter and who has historical knowledge, to address this matter,” Epperson said.
A new hearing date has not yet been announced.