Man accused of murder sent for mental evaluation, recovery

WHITE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - A White County man accused of killing his mother and half -sister is not competent to stand trial, at least for now.

David Rodenbarger, 20, was back in White County court Monday afternoon.              

A judge decided to delay further court proceedings and sent Rodenbarger to a mental health facility for 90 days to make sure he is competent to stand trial.  In May, there will be a status conference.  At that time, if it is determined he is not competent, he will spend another six months at the mental health facility.              

Rodenbarger is accused of stabbing his mother Michelle Haskins, 41, and his half-sister Jillian Haskins, 6, to death last month. Court documents say Rodenbarger admitted he killed them with a knife and long fork.     

Rodenbarger was transferred to an Indianapolis jail for unspecified safety purposes a few weeks later.

White County Prosecutor Bob Guy said it has not yet been decided if the state will seek the death penalty in the case. If the state chooses to do so, it will could cost the county between $500,000 and $1 million.

"Justice needs to be served, regardless of the cost involved. Obviously, we have to factor things in, but we're not going to make a determination, or I won't make a determination, as to whether or not seek a certain penalty in any case, in this case in particular, based on the cost," Guy said.

Also at Monday's hearing, records about Rodenbarger's mental health treatment and records from Twin Lakes were handed over to prosecutors. They will now have a chance to review those documents.