Man Incompetent for Abduction, Murder Trial

A Prince William County judge ruled yesterday that a Woodbridge man was not competent to stand trial on abduction and murder charges in the carjacking of a 60-year-old woman from Springfield Mall and in her death when the car later crashed.

Keith Baskerville, 19, will be sent to a state hospital for treatment. He is due back in court March 27 to determine whether his competency has been restored.

Baskerville and Lutchman Chandler, also 19, abducted Barbara J. "Bobbie" Bosworth of Alexandria on Sept. 13 in the parking garage of Springfield Mall, police said. The men drove her to a convenience store and attempted to withdraw money with her ATM card.

When they aroused suspicion, they sped off with her in the car and crashed into trees in the Woodbridge area, police said. Bosworth was killed, and Chandler later died from his injuries. Baskerville, who was a passenger, was critically injured. He is charged with abduction with the intent to extort money, felony first-degree murder and carjacking. He faces up to a life sentence if convicted.

Prince William Circuit Court Judge Mary Grace O'Brien ordered Baskerville transferred to Western State Hospital in Staunton for treatment.

In a brief address to the court, Baskerville said he was in a "tragic car accident, where my memory was affected," but wanted to stand trial.

"I do now remember what happened," Baskerville told the judge. "I believe I am being wrongfully incarcerated. Can you please set a trial date as soon as possible? And, may I add, I have a right to a speedy trial."

Baskerville's mother, Karen Smith, said her son has a history of severe mental illness and hallucinations and has been hospitalized in the past. She said her son is extremely sorry for what happened and keeps pictures of Bosworth in his jail cell and prays for her.