The trial for a man accused of throwing his 5-year-old daughter off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge will be held in February 2018.
- John Jonchuck accused of throwing daughter off bridge
- Judge ruled this month that Jonchuck is competent to stand trial
- Previous stories about John Jonchuck
A hearing for John Jonchuck was held Monday in Clearwater, where the trial date was decided.
Jonchuck is accused of throwing his daughter, Phoebe, off the southbound approach to the bridge Jan. 8, 2015. He is facing first-degree murder charges.
Earlier this month, Pinellas County Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone ruled that Jonchuck is competent to stand trial.
The judge's ruling came weeks after a state mental hospital ruled the 27-year-old Jonchuck was competent to stand trial. Doctors have been treating Jonchuck to restore his competency to stand trial in the case.
Jonchuck has had a long history of treatment for mental health issues, including schizophrenia, bipolar issues and an attention deficit disorder.
Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty.
Phoebe Jonchuck