LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. -- After nearly five years in prison and multiple mental evaluations, a judge found Monday that the father of a convicted killer is not competent to stand trial for the death of two Abbeville lawmen.

A psychiatrist testified that 78-year-old Arthur Bixby could not assist in his own defense because he is suffering from a form of dementia.

Bixby is charged with two counts of murder and conspiracy in the shooting deaths of Sgt. Danny Wilson and Constable Donnie Outz in December 2003.

Arthur Bixby, his son, Stephen, and his wife, Rita, were upset about the widening of Highway 72 in front of their home. The shooting of Wilson and Outz led to a 14-hour standoff.

Stephen Bixby was convicted and is on death row. Rita Bixby was convicted of accessory to murder and conspiracy and is serving a life sentence.

The families of both fallen lawmen were in the Laurens County Courthouse for the decision.

They said they are pleased that the judicial process is finally nearing an end.

Ouzts' grandson, Blake Ouzts, said, "We went through a lot. Been in and out of court -- pulled back and forth. Ready (for it) to end and have everything peaceful now."

For now, Arthur Bixby remains in the Laurens County Jail, but Eighth Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace said he will petition a probate judge for a commitment hearing. Peace said a judge could require Bixby to receive outpatient treatment or could sentence him to a secure psychiatric hospital.