A judge has ruled a western Pennsylvania bear hunter is competent to stand trial next month in the beating of a man who allegedly taunted an Amish boy 3 1/2 years ago.
 
64 year old Stephen Shesko of Seward is charged with aggravated assault in a November 2008 fight with 28-year-old Erick Melius of Ebensburg.
 
Police said Melius mocked Amish youngsters in Shesko's hunting party in Buffington Township, about 50 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Melius died two days later and Shesko was charged with homicide, but those charges were dropped after prosecutors determined drugs could have contributed to the death.
 
Defense attorney David Weaver wanted the assault case dismissed, saying Shesko can no longer assist in his own defense. But Indiana County District Attorney Patrick Dougherty agreed Friday with prosecutors that Shesko was "malingering."
 
Weaver says he may appeal.