A Trumbull County judge is expected to issue a ruling within days on whether Carroll Bruton, the suspect in a double-fatal Warren Township arson, is competent to stand trial.

Following a hearing Tuesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, Judge Ronald Rice took under advisement the issue of Bruton's competency.

Court records show that on March 5, Judge Rice ordered an independent competency and sanity evaluation for Bruton to be conducted.

Bruton, 74, is charged with multiple counts of murder, arson, and aggravated arson in connection with a January 2024 fire on Miller Street in Warren Township. Authorities discovered the bodies of 82-year-old Roscoe Toles and 51-year-old Etiane Whitaker inside the residence, where court records indicate Bruton previously lived.

In February 2024, Bruton was initially deemed incompetent to stand trial.

Judge Rice's upcoming decision will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings against Bruton.