The Latest: Doctor says ex-wrestler could be faking symptoms

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:48 a.m. ET

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ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) The Latest on the mental competency hearing for former pro wrestling star Jimmy ''Superfly'' Snuka, who is charged with having killed his girlfriend more than three decades ago (all times local):

4:30 p.m.

A psychiatrist says pro wrestling star Jimmy ''Superfly'' Snuka could be faking symptoms to make it appear as if he's incompetent to stand trial in the death of his girlfriend.

Dr. John O'Brien is testifying for the prosecution at a mental competency hearing in Pennsylvania for Snuka.

Snuka turned 73 on Wednesday. He is fighting to avoid trial on murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in the 1983 death of his girlfriend Nancy Argentino.

The defense contends that Snuka is mentally unfit for trial, partly because of head injuries he suffered over a long career in the ring.

But O'Brien says Snuka has an ''ability to switch gears'' so that he appears befuddled when he's with his doctors.

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1:10 p.m.

A psychiatrist says there's little evidence that former pro wrestling star Jimmy ''Superfly'' Snuka has a significant history of concussion or other brain trauma that should halt his murder case.

Dr. John O'Brien is testifying for the prosecution at a mental competency hearing in Pennsylvania for Snuka.

Snuka, who turned 73 on Wednesday, is fighting to avoid trial on murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in the 1983 death of his girlfriend Nancy Argentino.

The defense contends Snuka is mentally unfit for trial, partly because of the head trauma he suffered over a long career in the ring.

But O'Brien says there's little evidence of that in Snuka's medical records. He also says Snuka was able to comprehend and respond appropriately to questions before a grand jury last year.