| A key hearing for Jeremy M. Perkins, 28, of Amherst, accused of fatally stabbing his mother, was delayed for a week after his attorney Tuesday said he needs time to have his client examined for mental competency. Amherst Town Justice Mark G. Farrell adjourned the felony hearing, a crucial pre-grand jury proceeding, to Tuesday and gave attorney John R. Nuchereno permission to hire a mental health professional to evaluate the suspect. Perkins has been in custody since his arrest several hours after the fatal stabbing of his mother, Ellie Perkins, 54, in the family's Hopkins Road home Thursday. Perkins reportedly had developed schizophrenia about a year ago and was being treated through nutrition and vitamins and some medical therapy. |