The arraignment of a Coralville resident charged with murdering his wife on Jan. 16 has been postponed until the state can complete an evaluation to determine the defendant’s competency to stand trial, according to court documents. 

James Martin, 47, is undergoing a review to determine his mental competency after his defense team filed a motion on Jan. 28, arguing he is unable to assist in his own defense, according to court documents. 

Martin was arrested Jan. 16 and charged with first-degree murder of his wife, Amber Nicole Martin.

Martin’s arraignment was originally set for Feb. 6.

Johnson County Public Information Officer Kristen Silver said Martin’s arraignment has been postponed pending the court’s determination following a competency evaluation set for March 13. 

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According to the motion, Sarah Hradrek, Martin’s attorney, believes Martin is not able to assist in his own defense based on communication with Martin and professional consultation. The motion said that he is unable to perform the reasoning and judgment necessary to consider pleas or make other decisions required to assist his defense.

According to the Legislative Service Agency legislative guide, a nonpartisan, central legislative staff agency under the direction and control of the Iowa Legislative Council,  if a person is found to be incompetent, the court must suspend the criminal proceedings indefinitely and order the defendant be placed in a treatment program.

According to the criminal complaint, in the hours leading up to the defendant’s killing, Martin allegedly formulated a plan to kill the victim, later surprising her and stabbing her repeatedly with a kitchen knife. 

After being taken into custody on Jan. 16, Martin admitted to stabbing the victim, according to the complaint. He remains in custody at the Johnson County Jail on $1 million bond.