In May 2020, Lima police officers were called out to a home on East Kibby Street and found the body of 71-year-old Rachel Cheney in a bedroom with a fatal stab wound to her upper torso. Cheney originally pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but he was ruled competent to stand trial in August of 2022. Cheney was given over 900 days credit for his sentence for the time he has already spent in jail.

In May 2020, the Lima police officers were called out to a home on East Kibby Street and found the body of 71-year-old Rachel Cheney in a bedroom with a fatal stab wound to her upper torso. Cheney originally pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but he was ruled competent to stand trial in August of 2022.

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - A Lima man who allegedly stabbed and killed his mother in 2020 has now been ruled competent to stand trial.

A Lima man's case has been retained in Allen County Common Pleas Court.

2020 was already a difficult year. And for the City of Lima it was an unusual year when it comes to crime. Lima Police Department handled 12 homicides, up from the average 5 murders a year for the last few years. LPD has arrested at least one person in each case.

Jan. 20 Dan Jackson was shot and killed while standing behind pappy’s lounge after the bar had closed. Police believe two teens are responsible and they have since been arrested.

On Feb.4, Levels Lounge was the site of a violent triple murder. A gun fight left Terrell McGraw and Devontae Upshaw dead inside the bar and Timothy White was found dead on a nearby sidewalk. Deontray Forrest has been charged for two of the murders with criminal gang charges attached to them. The bar has since closed.

A Lima man has been found not competent to stand trial for murdering his mother in May. After being evaluated by mental health experts, 42-year-old Joseph Cheney will be sent to the Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital for treatment instead of moving forward with his case. If the treatment works, he could be brought back to Allen County to stand trial for Murder and Felonious Assault charges.

The Lima man suspected of killing his mother pleads insanity is his court case. Joseph Cheney entered pleas of not guilty by way of insanity during his arraignment today. He's been indicted on charges of murder and felonious assault. Police say they found his 71-year-old mother, Rachel Cheney dead in her bedroom on East Kibby Street on May 27. She died from a stab wound to the chest. If convicted, Cheney could be in prison 15 years to life. A mental evaluation has been ordered. He has his first pretrial on July 2.

The arraignment for a suspected murderer was postponed when he had an outburst during the hearing on Monday. When the video call began, Joseph Cheney went on a profanity-laced tirade and directed vulgar comments at the judge. Calling his mental state into question, his arraignment had to be postponed. He is accused of stabbing and killing his mother last week. Cheney's hearing was one of many to take place today as municipal court returns to somewhat-normal. While taking precautions for everyone's safety, trials can begin again. While in the court house you have to wear a mask and guests in the court will be limited. Defendant's concerned for their health are instructed to contact their lawyer.