RUSK, Texas (KLTV) – A 64-year-old Cherokee County man accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer and her K9 has been ruled competent to stand trial by a doctor, but his defense attorney is asking the court for a second opinion.
Bobby Dennis was scheduled to appear Wednesday afternoon before Judge Chris Day, but the hearing was rescheduled after defense attorney Stephen Shires argued Dennis needs another competency exam. Shires said a doctor deemed Dennis competent without actually completing an evaluation.
“Given there was no evaluation, we determined that we are going to have a second opinion,” Shires said.
After hearing testimony from the defense, Judge Day said the competency decision was based on one doctor’s opinion and the court needs more evidence before moving forward.
“We need to give it another shot. I’m ordering another evaluation for the defendant,” Day said.
Dennis is charged with attempted capital murder and two counts of retaliation. He is accused of shooting Jacksonville Police Officer Elyse Hand and her K-9 in November 2025. Authorities said Dennis was arrested after a four-day, multi-agency search.
Dennis also faces federal firearm violation charges for allegedly possessing firearms as a three-time convicted felon. If convicted of all charges, Dennis could face life in prison.
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