FARMINGTON — A man accused of killing a woman in Bountiful nearly a year and a half ago, is still not competent to stand trial.

Phillip Joseph Simmons, 37, is charged with the death of Susanne Fry, 57, on Jan. 19, 2008. Following his arrest, Simmons was ordered to the Utah State Hospital, but was not taken there until September because of a miscommunication between the hospital and Davis County officials.

He has remained at the hospital since, and was not in 2nd District Court Monday because of his incompetency.

At the time of his arrest, Simmons was dressed only in a T-shirt, pants and shoes despite the cold weather. Court documents released at the time indicate Simmons told the officer “that a lady had been murdered,” and that he later told officers, “he had done something bad.”

Fry had taken Simmons in, but neighbors of the woman said the relationship was not romantic.

A new hearing is set for Dec. 1, but prosecutors believe Simmons may never regain his competency. Deputy Davis County Attorney Rick Westmoreland said his office may begin civil commitment proceedings.

mwilliams@davisclipper.com