MASON CITY - Mark Becker managed a quick glance at his parents at the end of his competency hearing Thursday.

Clad in a long brown shirt, his hands cuffed in front and attached to a leather belt around his waist, Becker, 24, gave a quick nod. Then at a deputy's direction, he shuffled out of the courtroom.

He is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting football coach Ed Thomas, 58, in June. Thursday's hearing was called to determine whether Becker's mental condition prevents him from being capable of understanding the court proceedings needed for trial.

Becker remained silent and displayed no emotion in court as his defense attorney, Susan Flander, argued the case. Thomas' widow, Jan, son Aaron and other family members also attended.

Dr. Dan Rogers of Fort Dodge, a psychologist, testified Becker appears to have paranoid schizophrenia, is unable to appreciate the charges against him and assist in his defense and doesn't trust his attorney.

Rogers interviewed Becker on July 26 and Aug. 8 and administered five tests. He said the interview was split over two days because Becker was sedated during the first visit.

"I'm certain he was having hallucinations during the interview," Rogers told the court.

The psychologist said he saw signs of "contamination," where Becker starts with a good thought that then fills with illogic as he proceeds.

Becker also talked of angels and devils and of hearing voices, Rogers testified. He said answers Becker gave during questioning by a Division of Criminal Investigation agent after the shooting were "absolutely psychotic."

If Becker's medication levels are lowered to keep him alert for trial, his psychotic symptoms could increase, Rogers said. Becker's prospects of regaining competency are "poor" and would likely take six months to a year of inpatient treatment, he added.

Under cross-examination by Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown, Rogers said Becker was able to complete most of the administered tests. He finished the 378 questions in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in about an hour and a half, which is just a little longer than most people, Rogers said.

Rogers didn't specifically ask about the shooting because doing so was unethical, the psychologist testified. Rogers added such questions could have led to Becker implicating himself and had no use addressing the competency issue.

Rogers' testimony was countered by Dr. Michael Taylor, a psychiatrist called by the prosecution.

"Mr. Becker is fully competent to stand trial," Taylor told the court.

Taylor examined Becker on Aug. 28 in his office - after Rogers' exam and after Becker's medication had been changed. He described Becker as forthcoming, pleasant and candid during interview.

Taylor said Becker has symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, and suggested his paranoid psychosis may have been caused by methamphetamine, but believed this to be a minor factor. Taylor testified the change in Becker's mental status between the evaluations could have been caused by an increase in Invega, an anti-psychotic medication.

At the time of Taylor's interview, Becker had been free of hallucinations for four days and appeared to be happy with the medication he was taking. He had bad experiences with psychotropic medicine in the past, Taylor said.

Taylor noted the medication Becker is taking is expensive and he likely would not be able to afford the treatment if not for the fact he is in jail. He added Becker was able to describe the fatal shooting in a coherent manner.

"He basically gave me the entire recitation," Taylor said, but no details of Becker's account were disclosed in court Thursday.

Taylor also said Becker described events that led up to three prior hospitalizations - two in Mason City and one at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo. He also testified Becker appreciates the seriousness of the charges against him, understands he could go to prison for life if convicted and understands the court proceedings.

Also taking the stand for the defense was Terry Allen-Burns, a nurse at the Cerro Gordo County Jail where Becker is detained. She said Becker's dose of Seroquel was increased earlier this week because he reported auditory hallucinations.

Becker's trial was scheduled to begin Sept. 15 but was put on hold. The case is suspended until Judge Stephen Carroll issues his ruling.

If Becker is deemed to incompetent to stand trial, the case will be suspended while he undergoes treatment. If doctors can't restore Becker to competency in 18 months, the state will undertake civil commitment proceedings.

After committal, however, the state can bring Becker back before the court to face charges if he regains competency in the future.

Prosecutors allege Becker, a former football player for Thomas at Aplington-Parkersburg High School, entered the weight room June 24 and opened fire on Thomas.