KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Charles Pickett Jr. claims he does not remember the wild ride that resulted in the death of five cyclists in Cooper Township but psychologists and now the Kalamazoo Courts have ruled that he is competent to stand trial anyway.
Pickett is charged with five counts of second degree murder, and other charges for injuring four other members of the Chain Gang cycling club who were making their weekly ride along north Westnedge on June 7th.
Court documents claim that Pickett had been taking muscle relaxers and pain medications that day. The doctors also found a very long history of marijuana and meth abuse and that he may have been using prescription psychiatric drugs as well.
Pickett will be back in court later this month for a preliminary hearing, which he may waive and proceed to trial. In the meantime the Battle Creek man will remain in the Kalamazoo County Jail where he is being held without bond.
