Judge says suspect incompetent to stand trial
A Springfield Township man’s seven arson cases will be delayed because a Fayette County judge ruled that mental health issues made him incompetent to stand trial. Robert Franklin Ray Jr., 26, of 1066 Tabor Road has been receiving mental health counseling at Mayview State Hospital in Bridgeville, according to court filings.
Ray is charged with setting fire to the Dollar General Store in Bullskin Township on Dec. 12, 2005, and again on Feb. 8, 2006. The second fire prompted the evacuation of several other businesses located within the Warehouse Grocery complex and caused major interior damage to the discount store.
Police also allege Ray set fire to a home at 1050 Mount Tabor Road in Springfield Township on Jan. 11, 2006.
Police allege that before setting the second fire at the Dollar General Store, Ray set fire to the BFS Store on Memorial Boulevard in Dunbar Township.
Ray also is charged with returning to the convenience store on Feb. 14, 2006, and setting a second fire.
Ray is accused of setting fire to the Dollar Tree in North Union Township on Feb. 22, 2006, and to the Ye Olde Inn in Dunbar Township on Feb. 23, 2006. He also is charged with setting fire to a 230 Circle Drive home in Bullskin Township.
The fires caused an estimated $435,000 in damages, the bulk of which came from fire damage that occurred during the second fire at the Dollar General Store.
In May 2006, Ray had agreed to plead guilty to the arsons in exchange for five to 10 years in prison.
Judge Steve P. Leskinen handed down the ruling, which will stand until Ray is re-evaluated and determined fit to stand trial.