ST. CLOUD — A criminal case against a man accused of killing his mother is on hold in Stearns County while mental health professionals try to restore the defendant’s competency.

Fifty-three-year-old Dean Friese was in court Thursday where he was declared incompetent to stand trial in the death of 72-year-old Lois Omeara. Friese is accused of fatally stabbing her at his St. Cloud apartment in September 2013.

Just four months ago, another mental health exam found Friese was competent to proceed with the case against him. His attorneys requested another exam.

Friese has a history of mental illness that has led to several commitments. He is charged with first- and second-degree murder.