HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Judge Trish Rose granted a request for the mental evaluation of a man charged with first-degree murder in a hit-and-run accident.

Taylor Lakone is accused of hitting Jose Lopez, who was on a bicycle, with his car.

His attorney, Shannon Crane, wants the mental evaluation to see if Lakone is competent to stand trial. She was also granted permission to hire an investigator for the case.

The fatal incident happened in the 1200 block of East 4th back on Sept. 21 of last year. Lopez was taken to a Wichita hospital, where he died from multiple blunt-force injuries.

Darion Maxey, Lakone’s best friend, testified at the preliminary hearing that Lakone struck Lopez because Lopez struck his mother with a lead pipe.

Lakone is free on bond. The trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 18.