Peach Stand murder suspect to undergo mental competency exam

FORT MILL, S.C. — Channel 9 has learned that the suspect accused of killing a teenager at The Peach Stand in Fort Mill earlier this year will undergo a mental competency exam.

Christopher Mendez is accused of walking into the popular store and shooting Karson Whitesell in January.

On Friday, authorities ordered Mendez be examined by the Department of Mental Health. They will determine if he's competent to stand trial.

Past coverage:

• Parents of Peach Stand shooting victim: 'Karson was my whole world'
• Family, friends, community say final goodbyes to slain Peach Stand clerk
• PHOTOS: Peach Stand shooting scene
• Funeral set for beloved Peach Stand employee
• Investigators searching for answers in shooting of Peach Stand employee
• Man charged in murder of 19-year-old Peach Stand employee

Investigators said the shooting was random and that Mendez did not know Whitesell.

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