Kevin Edson, the suspected schemer of a disrespectful hoax that shutdown Boylston Street exactly one year after the Boston Marathon bombings, has been found mentally competent to stand trial. Edson has since been arraigned and underwent a psychological evaluation.
The unnerving incident took place right after political officials of all caliber, Bostonians, residents of the Greater Boston Area and people in town for the 2014 race – whether tourists, spectators or runners – hosted a one-year later tribute on behalf of the victims and survivors of the bombings. Edson allegedly left an unattended backpack in eerily close proximity to the Marathon finish line on Boylston Street, reminiscent of the dual pressure cooker bombs housed in backpacks that killed three and injured 264.
At a hearing in Boston Municipal Court on Wednesday, it was announced that Edson was fully competent to stand trial and his $100,000 bond was slashed in half to $50,000. According to the Associated Press, he’ll be outfitted with a GPS monitoring ankle bracelet.
Edson was evaluated at a state hospital, and now faces charges of possession or use of a hoax device and making a false bomb threat, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and disturbing a public assembly. Just one day after the incident took place, his family published a heartfelt statement conveying their sincerest apologies to the people of Boston while also mentioning the family’s history of physical and mental health problems.
Edson, they wrote, suffers from “multiple mental health issues, including the diagnosis of BiPolar Disorder.” He plead not guilty to each charge levied against him.
The AP notes further that Edson’s next court date is scheduled for June 3.
Image via Suffolk County D.A.
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