The man charged in a 2012 killing at a prominent Fulton County church has been ruled competent for trial, officials said Wednesday.
Floyd Lester Palmer, 54, is accused of fatally shooting 39-year-old Gregory McDowell as he led a prayer service at World Changers Church International, the College Park worship center founded by the Rev. Creflo Dollar. Authorities believe Palmer was seated in a pew during the Oct. 24, 2012, service before he stood up and fired as many as 12 shots at McDowell, whose heart was pierced, authorities said.
Palmer was arrested several hours later in Buckhead. He has since been indicted on charges that include murder, felony murder and aggravated assault.
According to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Palmer’s attorneys filed a “special plea of incompetence for trial” in July but withdrew it prior to a Tuesday hearing on the matter. During this week’s hearing, Judge Craig Schwall ruled that Palmer was competent to stand trial.
“The Defense stated in court they believe Defendant Palmer is competent to stand trial under Georgia law,” the district attorney’s office said in an emailed statement. “However, they still contend Palmer was insane at the time of the crime and should not be held criminally responsible for his actions.”
The case is likely to be scheduled for trial in January or February, the district attorney’s office said.
The McDowell case is the second time Palmer has been accused of shooting someone at a house of worship.
He was charged in 2001 with shooting Reuben Ash outside a Maryland mosque and, after pleading not criminally responsible, he was committed to a mental facility because psychiatrists found him to be delusional and paranoid. He was released in 2006.
About the Author
