A 68-year-old man charged with trying to hire someone to kill his wife of 27 years has been ordered to undergo a competency exam.

Charles Tringali, of Roseville, appeared Wednesday in Fraser district court. He's charged with solicitation of murder and faces up to life in prison if convicted. He's jailed and is scheduled to be back in court for a hearing on Dec. 19.

Defense lawyer Steven Freers says he believes that Tringali was influenced by a third party.

Police say they received a tip that Tringali was looking to hire someone to kill his wife. They say Tringali met with an undercover Roseville detective, during which they discussed a location for the killing, along with methods.