Accused Killer of Sheffield Officer Faces Competency Hearing

The man accused of killing Sheffield Police Sgt. Nick Risner appeared Thursday morning before a Colbert County judge for a competency hearing, according to WAAY 31.

During the hearing, attorneys for Brian Lansing Martin challenged the state’s forensic evaluation from the Alabama Department of Mental Health regarding his ability to stand trial. The judge granted the defense 60 days to have Martin evaluated by a third-party expert.

Martin’s attorneys also requested a jury trial to determine his competency, a request opposed by the state. If the third-party evaluation deems it necessary, a competency jury trial could be scheduled for January 5-6, 2026.

Martin remains jailed without bond on capital murder charges stemming from a October 2021 shooting in Muscle Shoals that killed Sgt. Risner and another man. The state is seeking the death penalty, and a gag order is in place.