Man charged with Boston Marathon hoax on bombing anniversary found competent; bail reduced
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A man charged with placing a backpack with a rice cooker near the Boston Marathon finish line on the one-year anniversary of the bombing has been found mentally competent to stand trial.
Kevin Edson, a student at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, was sent to a hospital in April after being charged with possession of a hoax device and other counts.
A judge Wednesday found him competent and reduced his bail to $50,000.
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His mother said he has been battling bipolar disorder.
Authorities say Edson was spotted a week before this year's race, walking barefoot in the rain and wearing a backpack, a black veil and makeup. Police found no explosives in the pack or a second one near the finish line.
Edson's next court date is June 3.