Experts at the Nebraska Regional Center issued a report to the court yesterday that convicted killer Nikko Jenkins is competent and understands sentencing proceedings. A three judge panel will determine his fate and Omaha Defense Attorney William Gallup says his mental illness will be a factor.
Gallup says, “The primary mitigating fact would be his mental condition. Even though the fact he has been determined to be sane there is serious questions about his mental processes. He has done some bizarre things and he is a strange character. I think the best thing he has going for him is the three judge panel might have some difficulty putting a guy to death that has all of these demonstrable mental problems.
On Tuesday the judge accepted the report but did not rule on Jenkins’ competency and set another hearing for March 2nd. If he is then ruled competent a sentencing hearing will be scheduled.
Jenkins killed four people in Omaha in August of 2013.