Suspect in state school board slaying to undergo mental evaluation

Jason Keith Williford, 32, is charged with first-degree murder in the March 2010 rape and beating death of Kathy Taft, who was recovering from surgery at a friend's home in Raleigh when she was attacked.

Raleigh police arrested Williford a month later on the murder charge, as well as a charge of first-degree forcible rape.

Pre-trial motions are scheduled for Feb. 20. He is expected to go to trial March 5.

Defense attorneys indicated in September that they might argue that Williford had a diminished mental capacity at the time.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case.