A judge in South Carolina rules that an inmate convicted of killing a state trooper cannot be executed because he is not competent to be put to death. According to the ruling, the inmate suffers from a mental illness marked by delusional thinking, including a belief that he is immortal. The decision cites findings from mental health experts presented in the case. The inmate’s conviction dates to more than 25 years ago, when he was sentenced for the trooper’s killing. Because the court determines the inmate is incompetent for execution under applicable legal standards, the state cannot proceed with the scheduled execution as long as that determination remains in effect. The outlets report that the judge’s ruling is based on the assessment that the inmate’s mental condition prevents him from meeting the competency requirements for execution. The decision does not change the underlying conviction, but it bars the death sentence from being carried out at this time. The case may continue with additional legal proceedings related to competency and mental health evaluations.