Judge remands Bonelli

Oconee Probate Judge Kenny Johns committed a murder defendant to the state Department of Mental Health for treatment for an indefinite period. At a hearing, Johns said he considered the results of an evaluation by a doctor and a nurse, along with a circuit judge’s ruling in the case from two weeks ago. Committed today was Nicholas Bonelli. Charged with the murders of two women last year, 86-year old Bonelli recently was found to be incompetent to stand trial and unlikely to become competent any time soon. Bonelli was examined this morning, prior to the commitment hearing. But Johns said a medical problem prevented Bonelli from being present for the hearing. The probate judge said Brad Norton, a Walhalla attorney, was appointed to represent Bonelli’s interests in the defendant’s absence.