TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A Topeka man has been found competent to stand trial for capital murder in the March 2009 strangulation of his girlfriend.

Shawnee County District Judge Richard Anderson ruled Thursday during a brief hearing for 57-year-old James Philip Carnoali. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports it was the third time since July 2009 that Carnoali has been found competent.

Anderson based his latest ruling on an examination by Larned State Hospital.

Carnoali is charged with capital murder while committing a rape, criminal sodomy or aggravated criminal sodomy. The state also has filed alternate charges of first-degree murder, rape and aggravated criminal sodomy.

The victim was 44-year-old Terry Nadeau, who was living with Carnoali at the time of her death. His trial is set for Aug. 8.
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Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal,