1/31/13 - A forensic psychiatric exam has found 43-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel competent to stand trial for charges including terrorism stemming from a series of shootings along the I-96 corridor in October. A competency hearing was held for Casteel Wednesday in 53rd District Court in Howell. He is charged with seven counts, including terrorism and assault with intent to murder, by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette. The charges stem from an incident in Howell Township when authorities say Casteel fired a pistol at a passing car as part of a multi-county shooting spree. The court will now set a date for a preliminary exam in preparation for a trial. Although only one person was injured in the shootings and his injuries were not life-threatening, Attorney Generalâs Office Spokeswoman Joy Yearout says the charge of terrorism is justified because fear of the shootings caused the people of Mid-Michigan to change their driving habits. She also pointed to the massive law enforcement task force that was assembled to bring the shootings to an end. Casteel also faces more than 60 separate counts for shootings in Oakland County, which maintained its jurisdiction in the case. The same competency report will be entered for Casteel in Oakland at a hearing today. Photo courtesy WLNS. (TD)
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