EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) – A southern Illinois teenager accused of terrorism-related charges has been ordered to undergo a competency evaluation to see if he can stand trial.
A Friday court order signed by Judge Jennifer Hightower raises “bona fide doubt” about 18-year-old Keaun L. Cook’s “fitness for trial.” The move postpones a Friday bond hearing.
The Godfrey teen was charged with material support for terrorism and making a terrorist threat.
Public defender John Rekowski says Cook is being temporarily held without bond at the Madison County jail.
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons alleges the threats were verbal and that Cook was in contact with a terrorist organization via multiple electronic means. He says an individual alerted authorities to the threats.
Authorities say no materials were recovered from Cook to indicate making of weapons.