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Man charged in 2 shooting deaths near Las Vegas Strip mentally fit for trial

A 30-year-old man accused of fatally shooting two women near the Strip has been deemed competent to stand trial.

Omar Jamal Talley was ordered returned from Lake’s Crossing Center in Sparks on Friday after the Department of Health and Human Services determined he had “sufficient mentality” to understand the criminal charges against him.

In June, a pair of doctors had found Talley incompetent, and he was sent to the maximum security psychiatric facility for further examination.

Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty against Talley, who is accused of gunning down Californians Melissa Mendoza and Jennifer Chicas, both 27, on Feb. 19 at the intersection of Harmon and Polaris avenues west of the Strip.

Talley faces two counts of murder with a deadly weapon, one count of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, one count of discharging a firearm into a structure, one count of discharging a firearm out of a structure, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

He denied shooting anyone and has said the weapon he possessed was a BB gun.

Contact David Ferrara at dferrara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039. Find @randompoker on Twitter.

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