BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Tyrell Cooper, accused of killing a 66-year-old man more than two years ago, has been held to answer on murder, burglary and other charges.

The case against the 44-year-old Cooper will proceed after a judge on Friday determined there’s sufficient evidence against him. He remains in custody without bail and is due back in court July 20.

On March 3, 2024, officers were called to a home on Clyde Street where witnesses reported Cooper repeatedly pistol-whipped Harry Eugene Clark and threatened to kill other occupants.

Clark was pronounced dead at the scene.

Arrested soon after, Cooper told police he punched, bit and strangled Clark after hearing second-hand about remarks Clark made about him. But he also acknowledged sometimes hearing voices when no one was there, according to court documents.

Cooper spent months receiving treatment in a state hospital after being found not competent, but has since been restored to competency.

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