The man charged with killing 18-year-old Nia Wilson, an African-American woman, in July at an Oakland train station could avoid standing trial for murder.

Alameda County Judge James Cramer suspended criminal proceedings Thursday so doctors could evaluate the mental fitness of John Lee Cowell to participate in his own defense.

Cowell’s attorney, Christina Moore, told the judge at the Thursday hearing that her client’s serious mental illness disqualifies him from standing trial.

“It appears the delusions and paranoia have been increasing in frequency,” Moore said, adding that his statements “don’t comport with reality.”

However, family and supporters of Wilson have argued that Cowell was motivated by racial hatred—not insanity—when he killed Wilson and must stand trial.

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