C&P Newswire
AKRON, Ohio – A man accused in the deadly stabbing of a caretaker at an Akron group home has been found mentally unfit to stand trial — at least for now.
Jarel Wooden, 34, had previously been indicted on charges of murder and felonious assault in connection with the November 16, 2024, attack that left 56-year-old Dianne Bell dead.
According to court documents, a judge ruled Wooden incompetent to participate in legal proceedings at this time. He will be transferred to Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, where he will undergo treatment in an effort to restore his competency.
The incident occurred at a group home in the 1700 block of Shaw Avenue. Akron Police said they were called to the residence around 9:22 p.m. for a reported fight.
When officers arrived, they found Wooden at the door with visible injuries to his hands. Inside the home, they discovered Bell — who had also been the one to call 911 — unresponsive and suffering from an apparent stab wound.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wooden received medical treatment for his injuries and was later arrested and charged. His case remains on hold as mental health professionals evaluate whether he can eventually stand trial.
