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A preliminary hearing for Daryl Jones, the Louisiana man charged with making a series of terrorist threats to local schools, was delayed today after Judge Kelly Neel declared doubt about his competency to stand trial.

Jones | Booking photo courtesy Comanche County, Okla.

Jones was extradited to Humboldt County from Lawton, La., Okla., last month after being identified as the suspect in a string of threats to local schools and businesses, resulting in multiple lockdowns. The District Attorney’s Office has charged him with 19 felonies.

After being brought into the courtroom in a standard-issue inmate jumpsuit, Jones was asked by Judge Neel whether he understood the nature of today’s proceedings.

“Not really, no,” he replied.

Neel then explained the basics and asked his assigned attorney, Meagan O’Connell with Humboldt County Conflict Counsel, for her take on his level of comprehension.

“I think he understands to a certain extent but not fully … ,” O’Connell replied. “My major concern is whether or not he can assist in his own defense.” She asked to have Jones evaluated by a mental health professional.

Judge Neel then declared doubt as to Jones’s competency, suspended the criminal proceedings and ordered an examination by local clinical psychologist Dr. Mark Lamers.

A return date was scheduled for May 15 at 8:30 a.m.

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• Multiple Humboldt County Schools Placed on Lockdown Due to Threats
• LOCKDOWNS UPDATE: Out-of-State Man Identified as Suspect Believed to Have Made Threatening Calls to Multiple Humboldt Schools and Businesses
• Extradition Arrest Warrant Issued for Out-of-State Asshole Who Keeps Threatening Local Schools
• 31-Year-Old Oklahoma Resident Arrested on Multiple Felony Counts for Making ‘Terrorist Threats’ to Local Schools