Hearing set in Ibeabuchi case

Kim Smith

Friday, March 31, 2000 | 10:25 a.m.

The competency of a heavyweight boxer accused of sexually assaulting an escort service employee last summer will be decided in three weeks.

District Judge Joseph Bonaventure this morning set an April 19 hearing for Ikemefula "Ike" Ibeabuchi after discovering that the boxer refused to cooperate with two mental health experts hired by his own attorney, Richard Wright, to determine his competency.

A doctor hired by the state several months ago reported that Ibeabuchi is competent, that he does understand the charges that have been filed against him and is able to aid in his defense.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lalli asked the judge "not to confuse competence with belligerence."

Bonaventure said that although he could send the boxer to a mental health facility for further evaluations or he could go forward with a trial, he was going to choose the middle road and schedule the hearing. At that hearing, the judge will hear the testimony of all three doctors and any other evidence the two sides want to present.

Ibeabuchi told Bonaventure he didn't cooperate with the doctors because he is competent.

"I'm a healthy young man and I can answer any questions about what happened at the Mirage hotel on July 22, 1999," Ibeabuchi said.

According to police, Ibeabuchi lured a 21-year-old outcall service employee to his hotel room but wouldn't pay the $150 fee for an erotic dance.

The woman testified at a preliminary hearing that Ibeabuchi grabbed her and began to sexually assault her.

Ibeabuchi remains in the Clark County Detention Center on $755,000 bond.