Titonka man accused of murder ruled competent to stand trial

GARNER — A Titonka man accused of murdering a Ventura woman in Britt in March of last year has now been ruled competent to stand trial.

58-year-old Monte Eckels was charged with first-degree murder after being accused of fatally stabbing Leallen Bergman while inside a residence at 275 4th Street Southeast in Britt on the night of March 4th 2023.

Prior to his arraignment in April 2023, his attorney stated that he believed Eckels was exhibiting signs of a mental health disorder, but at that time he was ruled to be competent. In late January of this year, his attorney filed a motion for another competency evaluation, stating that Eckels was sleeping in jail over 20 hours a day and that damage to his brain from previous trauma has caused concerns regarding potential further competency issues. An evaluation led to Eckels being ruled incompetent to stand trial in May.

A new order filed on Wednesday by District Judge DeDra Schroeder in Hancock County District Court states that Eckels’ competency has been restored and that he shall receive continued treatment and medications as prescribed to maintain his competency. Schroeder set December 9th as the date for his trial to start.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Eckels would face life in prison without the opportunity for parole.