Suspect in killing of TWU student to be tested for mental illness

The man accused of killing a Texas Woman’s University student earlier this month has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation, according to court records.

The order, signed by Magistrate Judge Rainey Webb, says “there is reasonable cause to believe” that the suspect, Charles Dean Bryant, has a mental illness.

Bryant, 30, was charged with capital murder last week in the death of Jacqueline Vandagriff, 24.

Vandagriff, of Frisco, was found burned and dismembered in a blue kiddie pool in a park near Lake Grapevine on Sept. 14. Police believe she and Bryant met for the first time the night before at a Denton bar.

Vandagriff’s cell phone was later traced to the area near Bryant’s home near Haslet, and her purse was found in Bryant’s trash, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

Authorities searched Bryant’s home for hours and seized dozens of items, including a hacksaw with “potential hair” on the blade and several guns and knives, according to a search warrant return.

Police also believe they “stumbled onto” child pornography while searching Bryant’s cell phone, said Sgt. Robert Eberling, police spokesman.

The results of a mental health evaluation could determine whether Bryant is competent to stand trial. MHMR of Tarrant County must provide Judge Webb with a written assessment of Bryant within 30 days, according to the order.

Bryant remains in Tarrant County jail with bail set at $1 million. His court-appointed attorney, Glynis McGinty, has not responded to requests for comment.

This story was originally published September 28, 2016 at 9:40 AM with the headline "Suspect in killing of TWU student to be tested for mental illness."