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Bond hearing for hatchet-wielding school trespasser continued until Thursday

Posted at 10:24 AM, Oct 21, 2014
and last updated 2014-10-22 12:06:22-04

Virginia Beach, Va. - A bond hearing scheduled in Virginia Beach on Tuesday morning for the man who allegedly trespassed at Salem High School with a hatchet last week, has been continued until Thursday.

Kirk Beckwith Cowart, 25, is charged with Trespassing on School Property, Possession of a Weapon on School Property and Disorderly Conduct.

Cowart's attorney told the judge that he was not prepared to go forward on Tuesday because Cowart is unable to communicate and cooperate with him due to a mental health issue.

A pretrial officer who also interviewed Cowart also noted that he was uncooperative most likely because of a mental issue.

Contact your lawmakers regarding mental healthcare in your area

In cases such as this where an officer is prosecuting, he will focus on the crime and criminal activity. It is up to Cowart's defense attorney to make a request for insanity or competency evaluations. If that is the case, a doctor will then determine if he can stand trial.

NewsChannel 3 will bring you coverage of the bond hearing on Thursday beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Previously:

Man found inside Salem High School with hatchet: ‘It seemed like a good idea at the time’

Father of man who brought hatchet to Beach school: ‘this is what the face of mental illness looks like’