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Psychiatric Evaluation Ordered For Man Accused Of Killing Ex-Girlfriend

Posted at 4:12 PM, Aug 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-17 16:12:41-04

FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) – A judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation in the case of a Franklin County man who is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend. 

The sheriff’s office tells LEX 18 that Derek Garten will be sent to the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric for evaluation. Garten is accused of killing Margaret Smith in July. 

He was on the run for several days before being captured in Lexington. Garten posted to his Facebook page throughout the manhunt, appearing to admit to the death of Smith.

He will be back in court for a preliminary hearing on Oct 2.