Eye gouging suspect pleads not guilty

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Timayo Knight appeared in court  Thursday afternoon  where attorneys discussed his mental competency to stand trial.

Knight is charged with murder after police say he assaulted his 79-year-old uncle, Bonnie Pogue, with a spoon and gouged both his eyes out back in April 2011.

Authorities say Knight and his uncle lived in a Prichard home together when another family member made the horrifying discovery.

Defense Attorney Jason Darley says the Department of Mental Health ruled that Knight is competent to stand trial.

He says Knight is pleading 'not guilty' by reason of mental disease.
Knight's charge was upgraded from assault to murder after his Uncle died from his injuries.

Prichard police say Knight has a history of strange behavior.

Darley would not comment on his client's behavior or activity while in jail.

A trial date has been tentatively set for  December 17 , however, a judge has yet to decide if it will be a bench or jury trial.