JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A request for the re-evaluation of the mental competency status of accused killer Kimberly Kessler was dismissed by Circuit Judge James Daniel during a pre-trial case management hearing Tuesday.
The hearing began like many of Kessler's have in the past, with her being wheeled in screaming, and then quickly rolled back out.
"Jordan Beard is Joleen's cousin," screamed Kessler repeatedly.
Once out of the courtroom, the defense asked the court for Kessler to once again be evaluated by a psychological expert due to her continued disruptive behavior and refusal to cooperate with her lawyers.
The defense claims that Kessler is "suffering from a delusional disorder that is playing out in court."
However, the Judge Daniel said that her behavior since the last evaluation remains largely unchanged.
"I don't see behavior in the defendant that would cause me to want to have her re-evaluated," said Judge Daniel.
He said this will be likely be the final case management hearing before Kessler goes to trial. Jury selection starts Nov. 29. The jury trial starts on Dec. 6.
On Monday, the judge ruled that a jury will be allowed to hear that she bought an electric carving knife during the 24-hour time frame in which she's accused of murdering Yulee hairstylist Joleen Cummings.
An order issued late Monday afternoon by Judge Daniel says the evidentiary value of the purchase outweighs the possibility it may unfairly prejudice jurors.
Kessler is accused of killing Cummings over Mother's Day weekend 2018. At the time, they both worked at the same hair salon. Kessler has pleaded not guilty.