MINNEAPOLIS — Editor's note: The video above first aired on KARE 11 on Dec. 9, 2023.
The suspect accused of killing a widely beloved Minneapolis man and grocery store clerk was ruled incompetent to stand trial, placing his criminal case on hold until further notice.
A Hennepin County judge made the decision after officials revealed details of 44-year-old Taylor Schultz's court-ordered psychological evaluation. Schultz is accused of beating 66-year-old Robert Skafte before impaling him with a golf club at Loring Park's Oak Grove Grocery, where Skafte worked as a clerk, on Dec. 6.
Skafte was taken to the hospital for treatment, but ultimately died from his injuries. After the killing, Schultz reportedly barricaded himself inside a nearby apartment for nearly six hours before he was arrested without incident. He was later charged with second-degree murder in Skafte's death.
Hennepin County Attorney's Office spokesman Nicholas Kimball says Schulz will remain in secure custody while a thorough review of the defendant's criminal history and circumstances is conducted. Only then can the County Attorney’s Office move forward with civil commitment proceedings.
"If a judge determines that Schulz meets commitment criteria, treatment efforts to assist Schulz in attaining competence will begin," Kimball said in response to a KARE inquiry. "If he is found to be competent in the future, the County Attorney’s Office will immediately resume proceedings in the criminal case."
Skafte, a well-respected and longtime fixture in the Twin Cities community, was remembered by his friends as an avid gardener and acclaimed dancer who worked tirelessly to "get people involved."
"He tried to get people involved to make the neighborhood not just livable, but beautiful," said Tay Sullivan, the at-large board member of the Stevens Square Community Organization. "It's really gut-wrenching."
Skafte had worked at the grocery store for two decades before his death, but was also known for his efforts within community gardening and his talent for dance — notably, as an 18-year performer with Minneapolis' Ballet of the Dolls.
"He made my life better," said Myron Johnson, Ballet of the Dolls founder and choreographer. "He was part of my family, and I knew I was part of his family. He was passionate about gardening, about art, about friendship. We need people like Robert in the world."
The judge in Schultz's criminal case scheduled a follow-up hearing in July to review possible developments regarding his mental state. Until then, Schultz remains in custody at the Hennepin County Jail.
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