Burnam on trial for Indianapolis shootings

INDIANAPOLIS – A man with a history of mental illness who is accused of shooting four co-workers is competent to stand trial, a magistrate ruled Tuesday.\nJason J. Burnam, 24, faces four counts of felony aggravated battery and a misdemeanor count of carrying a handgun without a permit in the Jan. 11 shootings at Crossroads Industrial Services.\nBurnam’s attorney and a deputy prosecutor agreed that he could understand court proceedings. Magistrate Amy Barber said two court-appointed psychologists who examined Burnam determined him to be competent.\nA hearing on Thursday will decide whether Burnam’s bond will be reduced from $100,000.\nDeputy prosecutor Barbara Trathen said he is still a danger to the community and she would oppose any reduction.\nBurnam’s mother, Judy Burnam, said after the shootings that her son had complained that some co-workers teased him about his size.\nBurnam, who weighs more than 300 pounds, told officers he fired the shots over issues of “respect,” police said.\nHis mother also said he suffered from bipolar disorder and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but he was taking medication and seeing a counselor.\nThe four workers shot at the factory, which employs mostly disabled people, did not suffer life-threatening injuries.