A 70-year-old man from Torrington accused of beating his wife to death with a steel rod has been found incompetent to stand trial.

Daniel Gervais appeared in Torrington Superior Court Tuesday. A judge ruled Gervais could not understand court proceedings or assist in his own defense, based on a mental competency evaluation.

Gervais was ordered to undergo treatment at a maximum-security psychiatric hospital to see if his competency can be restored. According to officials, Gervais has problems with memory and cognitive function.

He is charged with murder in the killing of Phyllis Gervais, 79, at the couple's home in April. Police said Daniel Gervais called 911 and said his wife had fallen sometime during the night.