Kidnapping, rape suspect can stand trial

Wichita, Kansas
BY FRED MANN
The Wichita Eagle

A Sedgwick County judge Thursday found Robert Abner competent to stand trial in the kidnapping and rape of a Viola convenience store clerk.

Judge Eric Yost set a preliminary hearing for Sept. 11.

Abner, 39, is charged with one count of aggravated robbery, one count of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and six counts of rape.

The clerk was released outside her family's pastor's home about three days after she disappeared in June. Abner allegedly had held her at his north Wichita house before leaving town.

Abner was arrested in early July in Springfield, Ore., after authorities received a tip from a resident he had called from a motel there.

Deputy public defender Jama Mitchell had contended that Abner has mental problems that prevent him from adequately defending himself against the charges.

Abner, who appeared in court, was evaluated last month by Comcare, the county's community mental health program, and found competent to stand trial.