A man accused of killing a Sheffield police officer and a longtime friend last year has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Circuit Judge Jacqueline Hatcher wants Brian Lansing Martin to undergo an outpatient mental evaluation after a motion by prosecutors last week.

Martin, 42, is charged with capital murder in the Oct. 1, 2021 slayings of Sgt. Nick Risner, an eight-year veteran of Sheffield police, and William Mealback Jr., who was shot and dumped from his own car prior to a chase and gunfight.

He is also charged with attempted murder from the wounding of Sheffield Lt. Max Dotson.

Martin earlier this year pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Prosecutors argued last week that it is entitled to a psychiatric observation of Martin.

On Tuesday, Hatcher ordered the exam to see if Martin can participate in his defense and understands the facts of the case, according to court documents.

According to Mealback’s family, Martin, a longtime friend, was driving the man to assist him after a surgical procedure. Police believe the two got into an argument prior to the shooting. It was the discovery of Mealback’s body that touched off the pursuit that resulted in Risner’s death.

Martin pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2013 in the May 11, 2011, shooting death of his father, Donice Scott, during a struggle outside Scott’s Tuscumbia home. He received a 10-year sentence at the time but was released after about three years in prison, in May 2016, according to court records.