Accomack County Arson: Bundick Competent To Stand Trial

By Linda Cicoira
Eastern Shore Post


Accused arsonist Tonya Susan Bundick “appears to have above average intelligence,” battles depression and is competent to stand trial, according to a psychological evaluation filed in Accomack General District Court.

A report for her fiancé and alleged accomplice, Charles Robert Smith III, also known as Charlie Applegate, has not yet been filed. Smith’s attorney has asked that it be kept sealed when it comes in.

Bundick, 40, who lived with Smith, 38, on Matthews Road in Hopeton before the couple was arrested, met with psychologist David H. Keenan of Virginia Beach on April 29 at Accomack
Jail, where both defendants are being held without bond, the record states.

“Bundick is clearly depressed at the present time,” Keenan wrote in information mailed to the court on May 8. “She has a history of long-term problems with depression. However, … Bundick’s current condition appears to meet the basic criteria for the finding of Competent to Stand Trial and Competent to Plead.” He said she should remain competent if she continues to take “her prescribed
mental health medications. She expresses the intent of doing so.”

She “understands the roles of the defense attorney, the prosecuting attorney and the judge,” the psychologist wrote. “She has a basic familiarity with most commonly used legal terms and procedures.

Tonya Bundick says that she intends to work with and to collaborate with her attorney. Ms. Bundick also understands the importance of maintaining appropriate conduct in court …
she is reportedly being maintained in a single cell in the Accomack County Jail.”

Keenan added, “Bundick … reportedly lived with her mother and father and older sister during her  developmental years.  She indicates that she was subjected to verbal and emotional abuse … (and) physically abused by her father at times.”

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The evaluation of Smith notes that he was abandoned by his biological father.

The couple, who are engaged, had sought to keep sealed the reports, but General District Judge Gordon Vincent denied the motion on Wednesday.