(ABC 6 News) — A Britt man accused of murder has now been ruled competent to stand trial.

New Hancock County court documents stated that the court found that Monte Wayne Eckels’ competency has been restored. As such, the criminal proceedings have been reinstated.

A jury trial has been scheduled to begin December 9th.

Up until now, Eckels had been held at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center, but he will now be held at the county jail.

The court document states that Eckels will receive continued treatment and medications as prescribed to maintain his competency.

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(ABC 6 News) – A Britt man accused of stabbing a woman to death was found not competent to stand trial last week, according to Iowa court records.

Monte Wayne Eckels, 57, pleaded not guilty to the 1st-degree murder of Leallen Bergman of Ventura last year.

RELATED: Britt man accused in fatal stabbing set to stand trial – ABC 6 News – kaaltv.com

Bergman was found dead March 4, 2023, in the 200 block of 4th St. SE, Britt, Iowa.

Police took Eckels into custody at the scene.

According to Hancock County court documents filed May 21, 2024, a competency evaluation found that Eckels has a mental disorder which prevents him from understanding the charges and/or assisting in his own defense.

Proceedings in the 1st-degree murder trial were suspended — but ask Eckels poses a danger to the public, he was involuntarily committed to the Department of Corrections at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center or a similar treatment facility, according to court documents.

According to Iowa court documents, the director of the facility must provide written status reports on Eckels’ mental status every 60 days “until competency is restored.”