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Montgomery County Prosecutors Seek To Move Accused Killer From Mental Hospital To State Prison

By Brad Segall

NORRISTOWN, PA (CBS) -- Montgomery County prosecutors are asking a judge to move an accused killer from Upper Merion out of a mental hospital and back to the county prison while he awaits trial for allegedly killing his parents and twin brother.

Prosecutors said a report was issued earlier in December that finds 23-year-old Joseph McAndrew competent to stand trial and they want him returned to the county prison from Norristown State Hospital.

They believe McAndrew understands who the key courtroom participants are and basic courtroom procedures and that he's able to work with his defense attorney, Prosecutor Tracey Potere.

"There's no longer a reason for him to be there," said Potere. "They need to free up the bed and they need to move him back to the prison. I talked to prison officials and they can accommodate him. They have accommodated him before."

McAndrew's next court date is scheduled for January 20th. At that time the judge will set a trial date. He's accused of wielding a sword inside his Holstein Road home in March, killing his parents Joseph and Susan and his twin brother James.

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