SMITH TOWNSHIP, Mahoning Co., Ohio - A Smith Township man accused in what police described as an apparent homicide was found competent to stand trial in his case.

During a competency hearing in Judge Anthony Donofrio's court Tuesday morning, 33-year-old Nicholas Cunningham was found competent to stand trial in the case of the apparent homicide of 44-year-old Gena Wade of Beloit in October of 2023.

The court must now determine whether or not Cunningham could be considered sane at the time of the murder. If he is found to have been insane at the time, the court could accept a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Cunningham is currently charged with felony counts of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary and two counts of violating a protection order.

Wade was killed on October 26, 2023. After an investigation that took about two weeks, Cunningham was charged in connection with Wade's death.

Cunningham is due back in court June 17 for a pretrial hearing.