Hearing on mental health exam continued in Planned Parenthood shooting case

An update on Robert Dear’s mental competency has been postponed until March.

The accused Planned Parenthood shooter was in court briefly Wednesday.

An update on his mental competency was not yet ready and the hearing was continued until March 23. After the judge chose to continue the hearing, Dear said “I want to say something to you, your honor,” but the judge denied that request.

As Dear walked out of the courtroom he shouted, “Media come see me, I have an exclusive, secret file I want to tell you about.”

A judge ordered the exam after Dear announced that he wanted to fire his public defenders and represent himself. The exam will show whether he is mentally capable of making that decision.

District Attorney Dan May says both sides will have 10 days to contest the decision once the results are released.

During previous courtroom outbursts, he declared himself a “warrior for the babies” and said he was guilty. Defense attorneys raised doubts about his competency. Prosecutors say his outbursts show an understanding of the case against him.

Prosecutors charged Dear with 179 counts including murder, attempted murder and assault for the Nov. 27 shooting that also left nine injured.

Several shooting victims were in the courtroom for Wednesday’s brief hearing.

Dear is being held at the Criminal Justice Center.