Crime
New Bedford man’s competency to stand trial to be determined after murder of 60-year-old
A New Bedford man remains held without bail in the death of another man.
39-year-old Christopher Smith is accused of fatally shooting his mother’s former partner, 60-year-old Ronald Sinclair of New Bedford.
On Tuesday, a judge ordered that Smith be hospitalized for 20 days at Bridgewater State Hospital to determine his competence to stand trial.
Officers responded to the area of Austin Street near County Street at about 2:30 p.m. on April 29 for a report of a male gunshot victim.
Sinclair was rushed to the hospital for treatment. On Friday, May 3rd the victim succumbed to his injuries and died.
Smith was initially arrested shortly after the shooting in the backyard of a home on Chestnut Street.
Assistant District Attorney Charlie Schofield is prosecuting the case.
Smith’s next scheduled court appearance is January 6th.
