Murder suspect has mental competency hearing

Family wants closure in James Rhodes trial

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's been two years since a 20-year-old woman was shot and killed while working at a Metro PCS store in Jacksonville and Shelby Farah's family is still mourning her death.

"Missing her more than words can say," her brother was supposed to speak to his family's supporters Monday afternoon but was too emotional to speak.

James Rhodes, the man accused of robbing the store and killing Farah, was arrested just days after the incident and has been awaiting trial on first degree murder. The state is trying to get the death penalty.

Darlene Farah, Shelby Farah's mother, said she's tired and just wants all of this to be over. She said she knows these things take time, but she really would like to start moving on with her life, and hopes her family will be able to soon.

"My kids will never be the same. I mean, I don't think I'll ever be the same," Darlene Farah said.

Darlene Farah said that Monday was hard enough, but Tuesday, she faces the man who police said pulled the trigger and fired the gun that killed her daughter, and that is something Darlene Farah said takes weeks to prepare for.

"We've been on the same motion for a year and a half, we might not even go to court this year," Darlene Farah said.

Rhodes has been awaiting trial and the State Attorney's office plans on seeking the death penalty. Tomorrow, a judge will decide if he is intellectually disabled or competent enough to stand trial.

"I think he's got anger in him, that's just my opinion, I'm not a doctor. But knowing of his past and the history of his childhood, I think he's angry. He has a lot of anger in him, but I don't think he's intellectually disabled," Darlene Farah said.

Darlene Farah said while she appreciates the States hard work in going for the worst possible punishment, she just wants everything to be over.

She said lately, her focus has been on change. She said that often times she sits in business parking lots when she notices someone is working alone, just to make sure they are OK. She's also looking to help keep young kids from going down the wrong path.

"I've devoted my time to the troubled young youth, to let them know there's hope out there for them, and somebody loves them and they can be somebody. I don't want them to end up like James Rhodes," she said.

Whether Rhodes will be eligible for the death penalty is up to a judge Tuesday. If the judge finds he is intellectually disabled, he will not face the death penalty.