Medical exam finds New Albany mass shooting suspect found not competent to stand trial
Mar 19, 2025
NEWARK, Ohio (WCMH) – A man suspected of killing two people and injuring four others in a mass shooting at a New Albany warehouse was back in court for the first time since his arraignment hearing six weeks ago.
Bruce Reginald Foster III, 28, facing an aggravated murder charge out of Licking Co
unty Court of Common Pleas, was found not competent to stand trial through a mental evaluation; a judge has yet to rule on the matter. He appeared in court with legal counsel on Wednesday after defense attorneys asked for an evaluation to determine his competency on Feb. 12.
Prosecuting attorneys asked for a second evaluation to confirm the medical report, a request the judge then granted. If the second evaluation is returned with the same result, Foster could spend one year in a medical rehabilitation center to help him get to the point of competency to stand trial.
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"Everybody on the defense side thinks that one evaluation was sufficient and that we've got a finding that really reflects what's going on here," said Brandon E. Shroy, a defense attorney for Foster. "And so we're ready to move on to the next part. The county prosecutor wants to be safe. Everybody, including the court, thinks that a second opinion is fine. I didn't even object to it because I think we're headed in the same direction."
"The state would stipulate to the miscibility of this report," Licking County Prosecutor Jenny Wells said. "However, we will be asking for a second evaluation and ask that Dr. Stinson do that second evaluation."
Foster, who allegedly shot six people, killing two, at the KCD/One facility in New Albany, was issued a $20 million bond at an arraignment hearing on Feb. 6, hours after he was arrested in Columbus’ University District.
As he was being escorted from the courtroom, Foster yelled "I'm innocent."
The Licking County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Kyle Vaver, 38, and Shakhar Chapagai, 30. For an earlier report on this story view the video player above.
The shooting took place at the warehouse, in an industrial section of New Albany. Foster, an employee, had been working for several hours before opening fire and then left in a rideshare vehicle, authorities said.
Police said motive remains unknown and while there was reportedly no altercation prior to the incident, witnesses reported that Foster arrived at work intoxicated and smelling of marijuana.
Workers saw Foster firing a handgun at people along a production line, including one victim who was shot at close range in the head. One of the shooting victims was able to get the handgun away from Foster, prompting Foster to then flee the building.
About 150 people were inside the warehouse at the time, with some not knowing about the shooting until police arrived.
Foster is charged with one count of aggravated murder. ...read more read less