PAWNEE COUNTY— Michael EG Reynolds, 67 of Larned, accused in the March 30, murder of Dr. Tomas Garza, 52, of Larned, appeared via Zoom Tuesday from the Pawnee County Jail for a competency hearing, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.
The request for the hearing was filed by defense counsel. On April 20, 2024, staff from the Center for Counseling and Consultation performed a competency evaluation of Reynolds.
Senior Judge Nancy Parrish of Topeka, presided over the hearing. Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman recused himself from the case earlier this month due to a possible conflict of interest.
The standard of competency to stand trial in Kansas is whether or not, because of mental disease or defect, the Defendant is unable either to understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against him or make or assist his attorney in making a legal defense, according to McNett.
Following the presentation of evidence, Judge Parrish found Reynolds competent to stand trial and remanded the case to the magistrate judge for a Preliminary Hearing. A status hearing has been scheduled for June 16, 2024,
Just after 5 p.m. March 30, Dr. Tomas Garza, 52, of Larned, was shot multiple times during an argument with Michael Reynolds, 67, of Larned, according to a media release from the KBI. The shooting occurred at 1219 Kansas Highway 19 South, in rural Pawnee County. Garza was transported to an area hospital but died of his injuries.
Reynolds is charged with one count of Intentional Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm. The charges stem from a joint investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Coroner Dr. Lyle Noordhoek
Reynolds is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff without bond.