TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The man accused of killing Terre Haute Police Department detective Greg Ferency is found not competent to stand trial.
On November 25, a federal court ruled that Shane Meehan is not competent to stand trial. Meehan is charged in the 2021 fatal shooting of Terre Haute Police detective and FBI liaison Greg Ferency. Ferency’s sister, Shelley Klingerman, says the news caused a mix of emotions.
“Our immediate reaction I think is like any other family’s reaction would be,” Klingerman said. “We were a little bit sad, frustrated, disappointed, maybe even a little bit angry about it, but it’s the process, it’s the system and we just have to put our trust in it because that’s all we have.”
Court documents state Meehan is presently suffering from a mental illness that makes him unable to understand the nature and the consequences of the proceedings against him or to properly assist in his defense. Klingerman says the family expected to take a step forward, but the news felt like taking several steps back.
“All the raw emotions come with that, and you just kind of have to sit with it and gather up and move forward, and we will continue to put our efforts into bringing purpose out of something that was evil and senseless,” Klingerman said. “As we move forward, we’ll just continue to make sure something good comes of this.”
Despite the news, Klingerman says the family wants to see a jury trial.
“Justice will be served. We have to believe justice will be served,” Klingerman said. “Everyone should hope that justice is served for their own family’s safety, and we put it in God’s hands and in the process. Other than that, you feel a little bit hopeless.”
Court documents state that Meehan is to be hospitalized for treatment in a suitable facility and a status check will follow.
