The suspect who allegedly used a golf club to fatally impale a grocery store employee in Minneapolis has been deemed competent to stand trial.
For almost 20 years, Robert Skafte worked as a clerk at the store, but he was also known for his exceptional skills as a ballet dancer. According to a neighbor who spoke with WCCO, Skafte was a selfless member of the community who was always looking for ways to help others.
According to Daniel, a nearby resident of the store, Robert was a friendly person who was well-known to everyone in the neighborhood. He had a cordial relationship with the customers who frequented the store and was a pillar of the community. “He was friends with everybody in the whole neighborhood. You know, they come into the store, and he was friends with all everybody who shopped there. I guess the best way to describe Robert is he was kind of a pillar of the neighborhood,” stated Daniel.
According to court documents, Schulz, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was civilly committed for six months in 2021. The doctor’s report stated that he was at an “unacceptably high risk of further psychiatric deterioration unless strong support is given.” In the past, Schulz has received treatment and services through Veterans Affairs.
Back in January, Schulz was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial by a judge. The county attorney’s office had stated that they would continue with the case if he was found to be competent during his July hearing.
During a memorial held for Skafte towards the end of December, friends and family members shared a petition that aimed to raise awareness about mental health concerns, similar to those faced by Schulz.
There are currently no scheduled court dates at this time.
Schulz could be sentenced to a maximum of 40 years in prison if found guilty.
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