Trial date set for East Naples man accused of killing family

EAST NAPLES, Fla. Mesac Damas, who is accused of killing his wife and children in 2009, will face trial on Sept. 15, court officials said Friday.

The trial was delayed by competency issues, though a judge deemed Damas competent after he completed mental health treatment.

Damas’ attorneys claimed in court documents that the 39-year-old had a traumatic brain injury and a long history of mental illness that began during his childhood in Haiti, according to media reports. They also said they had evidence of “serious family dysfunction,” abuse and mental illness among Damas’ relatives.

Damas is accused of slitting the throats of his wife and five children.

He faces the death penalty if convicted.