Mid-Michigan pastor declared competent to stand trial in October slaying of young woman

A mid-Michigan pastor charged with killing a young woman in her trailer has been declared competent to stand trial.

MLive.com reports that the determination involving 55-year-old John D. White was made Wednesday by Isabella County Judge William T. Ervin following a psychiatric exam.

A prosecutor plans to meet next week with defense lawyer Gordon Bloem to schedule when White will face a hearing to determine whether the case goes to trial.

White is an ex-convict who settled outside Mount Pleasant and became pastor of a tiny church, Christ Community Fellowship. Police say he confessed to killing 24-year-old Rebekah Gay as part of a sexual fantasy.

She was bludgeoned and strangled on Oct. 31, and her nude body was dumped in the woods.

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