CLEVELAND, Ohio - The case of an accused killer of a Cleveland police officer inched closer to trial Wednesday.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Ashley Kilbane, siding with prosecutors, granted authorities an additional four months to try to restore De’Lawnte Hardy’s mental competency.

Hardy, 26, is charged with killing Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter as the officer attempted to serve a warrant on July 4, 2024. Days earlier, prosecutors say, Hardy shot and killed his grandmother. He has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and other charges.

Hardy, who suffers from schizophrenia, was found unable to assist in his defense last September, and both defense and prosecution experts said that his competency to stand trial could be restored with treatment and medication.

Kilba

See Full Page