Man Accused of Murder Committed to Mental Hospital for Another 12 Months

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Thomas Gene Riddle will spend the next 12 months at the Vernon State Hospital’s Kerrville campus after District Judge Jay Weatherby ordered the murder suspect to remain committed after he was re-evaluated by three physicians there.  

Riddle is charged with murder in the beating death of his mother's boyfriend, Jerry Don Barr, in March of 2016.  

In July 2017, Judge Weatherby denied a request to reduce Riddle’s bond.  Riddle’s defense attorney Brandon Hudson told the court that he expects Riddle to be declared insane at the time the crime was committed. Furthermore, Hudson plans on entering a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Riddle was not present at the hearing Thursday.