CANTON, Texas (KLTV) – A Cherokee County man accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer and her K-9 partner has been ruled competent to stand trial following a second doctor’s evaluation, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Judge Chris Day made the ruling in the case against Bobby Dennis, 64, who is charged with attempted capital murder and two counts of retaliation in connection with the November 2025 shooting of Jacksonville Police Officer Elyse Hand and her K-9 partner Renzo.
Dennis was escorted from the courtroom after he began yelling when he was brought in. He is due back in court Friday at 9 a.m. for another arraignment.
Defense attorney Stephen Shires said he has been unable to speak with Dennis, who is claiming to be a sovereign citizen. Shires said Dennis refuses to communicate with him each time he attempts to do so.
A trial date has been set for December, with no exact date determined. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Dec. 7.
Dennis also faces federal firearm violation charges for allegedly possessing firearms as a three-time convicted felon. If convicted on all charges, Dennis could face life in prison.
Officer Hand was present in court Wednesday.
Dennis was arrested following a four-day, multi-agency search after the November 2025 shooting.
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