Juvenile specialist to evaluate Kennewick accused kidnapper

Dyllan K. Martin, 16, the Kennewick teen accused of kidnapping and plotting to kill his great-grandmother, will undergo a competency evaluation conducted by a forensic psychologist who specializes in minors.

Judge Bruce Spanner of Benton County Superior Court has appointed the Department of Social and Health Services Child Study and Treatment Center to report on Martin’s mental condition. The center is in Lakewood, Wash. The alternative was to have him evaluated by Eastern State Hospital staff.

Martin’s next court hearing will be Feb. 11 or sooner if the evaluation is available earlier.

Martin and Billy J. Underwood, 15, are accused of planning to kill Hazel Abel, 86, of Kennewick. They kidnapped her Nov. 2 and drove to Portland with her in the trunk of the car they stole from her, according to court documents.

Abel escaped from the trunk when they stopped at a Walmart near Portland. Martin, Underwood and a 15-year-old girl who was with them ran from the store when they saw the trunk pop open, according to court documents.

Martin is charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary and vehicle theft.

This story was originally published December 31, 2015 at 6:09 PM with the headline "Juvenile specialist to evaluate Kennewick accused kidnapper."