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SENECA, S.C. (AP) -- A man accused in the shooting deaths of his mother and stepfather has been ruled by a judge as competent to stand trial.

WYFF-TV reports that Judge Cordell Maddox made his ruling on Wednesday following testimony from two experts in the case of 34-year-old Jason Mark Carter.

Carter is charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of 52-year-old Debra Perkins and 57-year-old Kevin Perkins. Authorities said the couple was found wrapped in plastic in the basement of their home near Lake Hartwell in Seneca in March 2006.

Forensic psychiatrist Bradley Freeman testified that Carter is more logical in thinking and dramatically better groomed since their last visit in March 2007. Forensic psychiatrist Donna Schwartz-Watts said medication Carter is taking has clearly improved his mental status and ability to maintain personal hygiene.

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Information from: WYFF-TV, http://www.wyff4.com/index.html

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

APNP 01-28-09 2118EST