The man accused of killing Sheffield Police Sgt. Nick Risner appeared before a Colbert County judge Thursday morning for a competency hearing.

During the hearing Brian Lansing Martin's attorneys objected to the state’s forensic evaluation from the Alabama Department of Mental Health regarding his competency to stand trial.

The judge gave his attorneys 60 days to have him evaluated by a third party.

His attorneys also requested a jury trial to determine Martin’s competency, a request to which the state objected.

After the third party evaluation is done- if deemed necessary- a jury trial on Martin’s competency could be held after the new year. With tentative competency trial date of Jan 5-6, 2026, if needed.

Martin is jailed without bond on the capital murder charge for the October 2021

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