TORRINGTON, Conn. — A 70-year-old Connecticut man accused of beating his wife to death with a steel rod has been found incompetent to stand trial.

Daniel Gervais appeared in Torrington Superior Court on Tuesday. A judge ruled Gervais could not understand court proceedings or assist in his own defense, based on a mental competency evaluation.

The Torrington resident was ordered to undergo treatment at a maximum-security psychiatric hospital to see if his competency can be restored. Officials said Gervais has problems with memory and cognitive function.

He is charged with murder in the killing of 79-year Phyllis Gervais at the couple's home in April. Police said Daniel Gervais called 911 and said his wife had fallen sometime during the night.

Gervais' lawyer, Thomas Waterfall, says the competency report speaks for itself.