RUSK, Texas (KLTV) – A 64-year-old Cherokee County man accused of shooting a Jacksonville police officer and her K9 has been ruled competent to stand trial by a doctor, but his defense attorney is asking the court for a second opinion.<\/p>\n
Bobby Dennis was scheduled to appear Wednesday afternoon before Judge Chris Day, but the hearing was rescheduled after defense attorney Stephen Shires argued Dennis needs another competency exam. Shires said a doctor deemed Dennis competent without actually completing an evaluation.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven there was no evaluation, we determined that we are going to have a second opinion,\u201d Shires said.<\/p>\n
After hearing testimony from the defense, Judge Day said the competency decision was based on one doctor\u2019s opinion and the court needs more evidence before moving forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to give it another shot. I\u2019m ordering another evaluation for the defendant,\u201d Day said.<\/p>\n
Dennis is charged with attempted capital murder and two counts of retaliation. He is accused of shooting Jacksonville Police Officer Elyse Hand and her K-9 in November 2025. Authorities said Dennis was arrested after a four-day, multi-agency search.<\/p>\n
Dennis also faces federal firearm violation charges for allegedly possessing firearms as a three-time convicted felon. If convicted of all charges, Dennis could face life in prison.<\/p>\n
Related:<\/p>\n
Jacksonville police officer injured in shooting released from hospital<\/a><\/p>\n