Court proceedings for Zach Gardner have been delayed until mid November so that the Winfield murder suspect can undergo a mental health evaluation.
A next appearance in that case is now set for Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m. in Winfield.
In the meantime, arrangements will be made for Gardner to have a competency evaluation. He is a former soldier who was injured in the line of duty and is said to suffer from PTSD.
Gardner has entered a plea of not guilty to a second-degree murder charge brought in connection with the January death of his wife, Melissa Gardner.
He had previously waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Gardner remains in the Cowley County Jail with bond set at $500,000.
The 32-year-old Gardner was arrested in January when police were called to the couple’s home in Winfield and discovered 33-year-old Melissa Gardner deceased. Zachary Gardner was in the home, as well, and was taken into custody.
Investigators believe Melissa Gardner had been shot.
