Steven Bixby

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A judge in South Carolina has ruled a death row inmate who thinks most laws are unconstitutional is mentally competent and can be executed. Lawyers for Steven Bixby told the judge he couldn't adequately help them because of his beliefs including that citizens have an absolute right to defend their property to the death. The state Supreme Court had paused Bixby's execution to assess his mental competence. Bixby was convicted of killing two police officers in Abbeville in 2003. Judge R. Scott Sprouse noted Bixby cooperates with his lawyers and understands their role. Bixby’s lawyers can appeal the ruling.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A judge is considering whether delusional beliefs about the legal system are enough to prevent a South Carolina prisoner from being executed. Steven Bixby, who was convicted of killing two police officers in 2003, submitted his own handwritten legal papers after a two-day hearing last month.

Steven Bixby was convicted of killing Abbeville County Sheriff's Deputy Danny Wilson and Constable Donnie Ouzts in 2003. A judge will determine whether he is mentally fit for execution.