Father Charged With Carving Pentagram Onto Son's Back Ruled Incompetent for Trial

A North Texas man charged with carving a pentagram into his 6-year-old son's back has been declared incompetent for trial.

Prosecutors in Tarrant County on Thursday announced Brent Troy Bartel, of Richland Hills, has been committed to a state mental health facility for at least a year.

Authorities said Bartel, in December 2012, called 911, made religious comments and said he etched a pentagram on his son. Investigators believe the father used a box cutter to wound the boy.

Bartel was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

The district attorney's office said doctors last year told a judge that Bartel was diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic.

Dr. Timothy Nyberg, in an evaluation in January, indicated Bartel has a pattern of making bizarre religious assertions.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us