CHATHAM, Va. – The preliminary hearing for the Pittsylvania County man accused of murdering three family members has been postponed for two months to allow for additional mental evaluations.

Matthew Thomas Bernard is now scheduled to appear in court on January 16, 2020. The judge in the case had originally ordered that Bernard’s psychiatric evaluation be completed by Thursday, Oct. 31, to determine his competency to stand trial and his mental state at the time of the homicides.

Bernard is charged with the murders of his sister, Emily Bevins; mother, Joan Bernard; and his 14-month old nephew, Cullen.

His preliminary hearing had been set for Nov. 6 but was delayed to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.