Competency still being decided for man charged with double fatal fire

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – The man charged in connection to a double fatal fire earlier this year in Warren Township will undergo another competency evaluation in the New Year.

Conflicting reports as to whether or not Carroll Bruton could be restored to competency were at the center of a status conference in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Tuesday.

Bruton was initially found incompetent to stand trial in February . Months later, a psychiatrist's report called him unrestorable. However, a separate evaluation done by a psychologist at the request of the state found he may be restored to competency.

"It's not out of the question that someone can be deemed incompetent, unerstorable but ultimately restored to competency," said Assistant Trumbull County Prosecutor Charles Morrow.

"I don't think a psychologist has a right to question a psychiatrist when it comes to medical issues — a whole different ballgame of treating," said Judge Ronald Rice.

Bruton is charged with aggravated murder and aggravated arson. It stems from the January 7 fire on Miller Street SW in Warren Township that killed his family members Roscoe Toles and Etianne Whitaker.

Bruton, who remains at Heartland Behavioral Healthcare in Massillon, is up for another restoration review in February 2025.

"If the position is that he is still incompetent, unrestorable then the Court proceeds forward with the appropriate proceedings with someone who is incompetent/unrestorable," Morrow said.

"I think we should wait until February to see what comes back and either go forward at that time," Judge Rice said.

Another status conference in the case was scheduled for March 4.