Man accused of murder found not competent to stand trial

A doctor has determined that a Vermont man who allegedly killed his wife with a meat cleaver in 2017 is not competent to stand trial.

Aita Gurung was initially charged with killing his wife in 2017, but Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George dropped the charges against him because the state did not have evidence to show he was sane.

First-degree murder charges were re-filed against Gurung in September after Republican Gov. Phil Scott asked the attorney general’s office to review the case.

Attorney General TJ Donovan said he plans to challenge the doctor’s findings because Gurung was found competent to stand trial in December 2017.

A phone message was left with Gurung’s lawyer on Tuesday.

Gurung is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 20.

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