Suspect in slaying of Raleigh political strategist undergoing mental evaluation

The mental health of a suspect accused of killing a popular Democratic strategist is under evaluation, his attorney said in court Thursday.

John Broyhill is charged with stabbing his friend and colleague, 29-year-old Jamie Kirk Hahn, to death in April 2013.

Joe Arbour, a public defender who is representing Broyhill, says he believes Broyhill will be competent to stand trial, but he may present a defense that Broyhill had a diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime.

The trial has been set for Oct. 27.