Competency evaluation ordered for Minden woman in Kearney County courthouse threat case

MINDEN, Neb. (KSNB) - A Minden woman will be evaluated to see if she’s able to stand trial on two felony charges in Kearney County.

Cynthia Strate, 40, is charged with possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person and terroristic threats after authorities say she threatened to “shoot up” the Kearney County Courthouse in Minden on June 22.

The Nebraska State Patrol said Strate pulled a gun during a session with a counselor and made threatening statements directed at the courthouse and its employees. Minden Police and the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team eventually arrested Strate after a four-hour standoff at a Minden apartment building. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Strate’s attorney asked the court this week to order a psychological examination of Strate to determine whether she’s competent to stand trial. The judge approved the order with her next appearance on Oct. 5, 2023.

As for the prosecution, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office has been appointed to handle this case.