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Major Davis will stand trial for fatal shooting of IMPD Officer Perry Renn

Posted at 4:00 PM, Feb 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-22 17:28:13-05

INDIANAPOLIS -- A judge has ruled that Major Davis Jr. is competent to stand trial for the fatal shooting of IMPD Officer Perry Renn.

Davis is accused of killing Renn in a shootout in July 2014 as officers were responding to a report of shots fired near the intersection of 34th Street and Forest Manor Avenue.

Davis has repeatedly been denied motions to defend himself in the case. A lawsuit Davis filed against IMPD claiming Renn used excessive force against him was thrown out last January.

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Marion County Superior Court Judge Marc Rothenberg ruled last October that Davis was not mentally competent to stand trial: 

"The Defendant, Major Davis, due to his current mental and medical state, presently does not have the comprehension or competence sufficient to represent himself in this matter. Furthermore, the Defendant Major Davis, due to his current mental and medical state, presently does not have the comprehension or competence to assist his attorneys in his defense. Proceedings shall be delayed and continued and the Defendant is hereby committed to the State of Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction to provide comprehension and competency restoration services…"

Davis reportedly objected to the order after it was read, saying it "doesn't make sense."

Medical officials had 90 days to provide a detailed report to the court about whether they believe Davis has a "substantial probability" of being able to stand trial in the future.

Davis trial is set for October 6, 2017. If convicted, prosecutors had said they would seek the death penalty for Davis.

Renn was a decorated officer who had worked for the Indianapolis Police Department, and then IMPD, since 1993. He was awarded the Medal of Bravery in 2003, and received a Letter of Commendation in 2012 for his work during the 2011 Indiana State Fair stage collapse.