Man accused of tossing daughter off bridge incompetent for trial

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) – A judge says a man accused of throwing his daughter from a Tampa bridge is still not competent to stand trial.

It’s the third time since January 2015 that a judge has declared John Jonchuck mentally incapable of standing trial for the death of 5-year-old Phoebe Jonchuck.

The Tampa Tribune reports that the 26-year-old Jonchuck is receiving treatment at a state mental hospital.

Jonchuck was arrested shortly after authorities say he dropped the child more than 60 feet off a bridge on the approach to the Sunshine Skyway, which crosses Tampa Bay. Investigators have said he exhibited strange behavior in the day leading to the girl’s death.

An assistant state attorney told the judge Jonchuck’s condition is improving. Another hearing is planned for June 7.