Thomas Houchens, middle, appeared in Barren County Circuit Court. GN1 FILE PHOTO. Michael Crimmins/Glasgow News 1
By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren County Circuit Judge John Alexander ruled that Thomas Houchens was incompetent to stand trial during his circuit court appearance on Monday, Dec. 15.
“After reviewing the reports and the hearing, the court believes [Houchens’] cognitive and memory problems, and his poor communication ability severely impair his capacity to participate rationally in his defense,” a court order signed by Alexander stated. “The Court finds [that Houchens] is incompetent to stand trial, and there is no substantial probability Defendant will attain competency in the foreseeable future, and [orders] the commonwealth [to] commence involuntary commitment proceedings as may be applicable or appropriate.”
His next court appearance is set for Jan. 12 at 1 p.m.
The 40-year-old Houchens was indicted on charges of second-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, and first-degree persistent felony offender in January 2025 after he was arrested in November 2024 by Barren County Sheriff’s deputies for setting fire to a residential garage on Lyon School Road.
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