A Lowndes County murder suspect will continue treatment at Mississippi State Hospital until his February 2010 trial.

Sixteenth Circuit Judge Jim Kitchens at a Tuesday hearing in Lowndes County found Michael Shane Richardson competent to stand trial for capital murder charges.

"Today's hearing was to determine if Richardson is mentally competent to stand trial," said Assistant District Attorney Rhonda Hayes-Ellis.

Kitchens has set a tentative trial date for Feb. 22, 2010. Pre-trail motions must be filed by Jan. 21, 2010.

Richardson, 30, of 127 Matson Road in Columbus, faces capital murder charges after a man he is accused of robbing in September 2006 died from wounds sustained after being beaten with a baseball bat.

Fifty-seven-year-old Harvey J. Evans died in January 2007 as a result of Richardson's Sept. 19, 2006 attack at Evans' 122 Matson Road home.

Testimony was given Tuesday by Dr. Reb McMichael, chief of forensic services at the Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield.

McMichael answered questions by the prosecution, and Andre Degray, counsel for the defense.

"During an evaluation on Feb. 12 of this year, it was determined he is mentally competent to stand trial," said McMichael, reviewing a summary of an evaluation to determine Richardson's competency.

During questioning by the defense, McMichael said Richardson once demonstrated evidence of psychosis, which is a mental state described as involving a loss of contact with reality.

"But he is mentally competent," McMichael said.

The defense asked McMichael about Richardson and his state of behavior when he is on and off of medication.

"When he is on his medication, he is better off," McMichael said.

After McMichael left the witness stand Kitchens ruled Richardson, "is in fact competent to stand trial."

Kitchens ordered that Richardson be returned to Whitfield to continue treatment until the time of the trial.

He stressed to Richardson the importance of cooperating with Degray and Steve Wallace, who also is on the defense team.

"Mr. Wallace and Mr. Degray are doing their best to defend you. Both are good lawyers, and if you are uncooperative with them, it is at your own peril," Kitchens said.

Capital murder carries a maximum penalty of death.