La Crosse man deemed unfit for trial — for now — in roommate’s death

A La Crosse man, accused of killing his roommate at a mobile home park, has been ordered to get treatment for an apparent mental illness.

John Stumlin has been diagnosed, and a local court has determined, that the 55-year-old is not competent to be tried at this time for homicide in the death of Daniel Riordan.

La Crosse County Judge Ramona Gonzalez ordered in-patient treatment with medication to help Stumlin regain competency.

He’s accused of stabbing Riordan, and then hiding the victim’s body at the mobile home park where they lived.

On Wednesday, Stumlin again chose not to appear in person for his court hearing. He has voluntarily avoided court hearings repeatedly since his arrest last month.

Gonzalez said Stumlin has shown symptoms of psychosis. She agreed with a prosecutor that Stumlin should be given medicine, so his court case can proceed.

Stumlin remains housed in the La Crosse County jail under a $1 million bond.