An Ohio sex worker charged with fatally drugging four customers and trying to kill a fifth has been found competent to stand trial.
Rebecca Auborn, 34, understands the nature and objective of the proceedings against her and can assist in her defense, according to the Feb. 13 order from Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Karen Phipps.
It was not immediately clear if a trial date has been set.
Auborn was indicted in October 2023 in connection with nearly 30 crimes, including multiple counts of murder, aggravated robbery and felonious assault, a copy of the indictment show.
Auborn has pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.
Christyn Crockett, daughter of alleged victim Wayne Akin, 64, said that she was relieved at the judge’s ruling so that a fair trial could begin.
“None of us are gonna be able to relax until all of this is over,” she said in an interview Monday. “But it’s a step in the right direction.”
The judge ordered the competency exam last June after Auborn’s lawyer requested it, a court filing shows. The evaluation was done by a forensic examiner in Columbus.
Authorities have said that between January and June 2023, Auborn allegedly met four customers for sex in the Columbus area before fatally drugging them with fentanyl and robbing them.
Auborn was also charged with felonious assault and aggravated robbery in the attempted overdose of a fifth person in December, according to the indictment.
In addition to Akin, other victims who allegedly died by overdose include Robert Snoke, 54; Joseph Crumpler, 30; and Guy Renda Jr., 42, according to autopsy reports provided by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
