DISCOVERY BAY (KRON) — After months of legal challenges, the 18-year-old man accused of stabbing to death a 9-year old Discovery Bay boy will stand trial.

Williams Schultz was declared competent by a Contra Costa County judge and that paves the way for the case to proceed.

In April, Schultz allegedly stabbed his best friend’s little brother, Jordon Almgren, as he slept.

In an interview with a reporter, Schultz admitted to the killing, but his family said he suffers from mental illness.

Schultz is expected back in court in November for a preliminary hearing.