Teen in Lanier Murder Case to Undergo Competency Evaluation

By Charlie Bauder, WNEG Radio, Toccoa

In Stephens County, a judge has ordered a competency hearing for a teen accused in the shooting death of his mother.

The 15-year old boy appeared before Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Russell Smith Wednesday morning in Stephens County Superior Court.

Judge Smith did not set a bond but instead ordered the competency evaluation.

The teen, whose name has not been released because he is a juvenile, is charged with malice murder in connection to the death of his mother, 46-year-old Kim Lanier, owner of the Cutting Edge Day Spa in Toccoa.

Authorities say that the boy shot and killed his mother on the morning of September 29 at their Prather Bridge Road home.

During the bond hearing, Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Rick Bridgeman said the knew what he was doing when he shot his mother.

Bridgeman said the boy took his mother’s life after some deliberation and forethought.

But the teen’s attorney, Tim Healy, pointed to the numerous physical and mental challenges the teen faces and calls the case different than others he has dealt with.

So far, it has not been determined whether the boy will be charged as a juvenile or an adult.