The murder trial of Thomas Martin Roberts has been postponed again — this time to Jan. 28.
Roberts, 54, of Port Angeles is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Clallam County sheriff’s deputy Wally Davis on Aug. 5, 2000.
Davis was 48 when he died of a shotgun blast.
This week’s delay will allow more time for Western State Hospital officials to evaluate Roberts’ mental health, Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Richard Suryan said Thursday.
Roberts will be returned to Western on Aug. 7. Western officials are expected to keep Roberts for at least 30 days, Suryan said.
This is the second time the trial has been delayed.