Vermont dad accused of killing daughter who brought him cookies deemed competent to stand trial

CHELSEA, Vt. (TCD) -- A 70-year-old man who allegedly shot and killed his daughter in May was deemed competent to stand trial after a psychiatric evaluation.

According to Valley News, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Matthew Gaskins determined James Perry Jr. suffered from delusions but could still cooperate in a trial. Gaskins wrote in his evaluation, "Perry has a sufficient factual and rational understanding of his current charges and has the capacity to assist his defense attorney in the preparation of a defense."

Gaskins wrote, "While he continues to endorse delusional beliefs, these did not prevent him from intelligently and accurately discussing his case including the evidence likely to be used against him."

Perry’s defense team said Wednesday they "want to take another look into competency" as he is "being evaluated."

Perry allegedly shot and killed his 38-year-old daughter Karina Rheaume in May when she went to visit him and bring some food and cookies, according to the Valley News. Perry reportedly told investigators he picked up his shotgun and hid behind a pillar when he saw his daughter walking up the driveway.

The Caledonian Record reports Perry told Rheaume "stop, stop, stop" as she headed towards the home.

According to an affidavit cited by the Valley News, Perry told investigators, "I’ve been stressed out for a couple weeks, and I just, I guess, I pulled the trigger." In addition to shooting her, he allegedly slashed her neck with a pocket knife.

He reportedly told officers he shot Rheaume at "point-blank range."

Rheaume’s boyfriend Troy Brock went looking for her at Perry’s house, and Perry allegedly told Brock she was dead, and "if he took one step closer, he’d be dead, too."

Perry reportedly surrendered to authorities after an hours-long standoff. He reportedly said he thought people were playing "gun games" with him and he believed Rheaume was "being used as a ploy to allow these unknown individuals to enter his residence," the Valley News, citing the affidavit, reports.

According to the affidavit, Perry "believed his family and neighbor(s) were going to kill him, and he had told them not to come to his residence in the days leading up to May 3."

He reportedly began "feeling suspicious that someone was trying to harm him" around the time of the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Perry has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and reckless endangerment, according to the Valley News. He is being held at the Southern State Correctional Facility without bail.

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