Evaluation sought for murder suspect

CASTLE DALE — The defense attorney for Peter Sharp, a Castle Dale man charged with killing his parents, wants Sharp to receive an inpatient evaluation for mental competency.

David Allred said he plans to file a motion seeking to have Sharp evaluated, and Allred said prosecutors are fully supporting the effort.

"In fact, they're helping to gather information … concerning his status," Allred said.

Sharp, 26, is charged with two counts of aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, in the shooting of his parents, Charmaine, 54, and William, 51, in the family's Castle Dale home. Peter Sharp also is charged with aggravated assault, a third-degree felony, for allegedly pointing a shotgun at his 12-year-old sister. Police say several young siblings were in the house during the Oct. 21 incident.

Kelly Sharp, one of Peter Sharp's uncles, told the Deseret News that his nephew had suffered a serious head injury during a truck accident and has not been the same since, often appearing confused and even not recognizing members of his own family.

Allred said he is researching the accident, as well as gathering other information about Peter Sharp's history, such as medical records from treatment that Sharp received following the accident.

Sharp is being held in the Emery County Jail with no bail.

— Linda Thomson