Man accused of fatal stabbing in Britt found unfit to stand trial | Crime and courts

GARNER, Iowa – The man accused of a Hancock County murder has been found incompetent to stand trial.

Monte Wayne Eckels, 57, of Britt, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing and killing Leallen Bergman, 62, of Ventura, March 4 in Britt.

After a mental evaluation, a judge has now ruled that Eckels could not appreciate the charge against him or effectively assist in his defense.

Because Eckels was declared a danger to the public peace and safety, he was committed to the Iowa Medical and Classification Center for treatment to restore his competency.