Photo--Michael West/Credit: Jefferson Co Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--An Ozawkie man will stand trial in the 2023 beating death of his father. 

Following a December 2nd preliminary hearing, a judge found there was sufficient evidence for Michael West to be bound over to Jefferson County District Court on a charge of 1st-degree murder. 

According to court documents, arraignment was set for January 22nd.  

A judge found West competent to stand trial in August following a mental evaluation.

He is accused of attacking his 59-year-old father, Michael J. West,  with a hammer on September 9th, 2023 at the rural Ozawkie home the two men shared.  

The senior West died two days later at a Topeka hospital after he was removed from life support.