Mount Horeb man found competent to stand trial for murder

A Mount Horeb man was found competent Friday to stand trial for the murder last year of a man jogging on CTH JG near the village of Blue Mounds.

It was the fourth time that Dane County Circuit Judge Joann Reynolds has ruled on Riley Berg’s competency since he was bound over for trial in February 2020 in connection with the murder of Nicholas Day.

Berg, 22 has pled not guilty to First-Degree Intentional Homicide and Use of a Dangerous Weapon charge. He has been detained in the Dane County Jail between rulings that he is competent, and Mendota Mental Health Institution for treatment during periods when he was found not competent.

Berg was taking medication for schizophrenia prior to allegedly shooting Day in the back and slashing his throat on Jan. 15, 2020.

Berg was arrested a month later, charged and probable cause was found that he may have committed the offense, according to investigators. In April, he was found not able to assist in his own defense and the case was suspended.

In October, Berg was found competent and a trial date was set, but in November Reynolds again found him not competent, postponing the trial while Berg underwent treatment.

After Friday’s hearing, Reynolds found Berg competent and set a pre-trial conference for April 15.

No motive has been establish for the crime.

If convicted, Berg faces maximum punishment of life in prison without the possibility of parole.