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FARMINGTON, Utah (AP) -- A judge has ruled that a 19-year-old Salt Lake City man charged with shooting his father while duck hunting is competent to stand trial.
Benjamin Josef Gully is charged with first-degree murder. He's accused of shooting Jim Gully in the head while the two were hunting ducks in October.
Ben Gully was hospitalized a year ago for mental illness. Witnesses say he was ranting after the shooting.
A judge ruled yesterday that Gully is mentally competent for a trial. Three doctors evaluated Gully and two said he was competent as long as he continues taking his medication.
Prosecutors plan to continue with the first-degree murder charge, which carries a sentence of five years to life in prison.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
