A 17-year-old boy accused of mugging three people on Key West streets this summer may be incompetent to stand trial, according to his attorney, who has asked the state to pay for mental health tests.

Thomas Reza's "erratic behavior" warrants an evaluation, Key West attorney Victoria McFayden wrote in a motion she filed last week.

"The defendant's mother is concerned that ... (he) is having a mental breakdown because he has been exhibiting disturbing behaviors such as head-banging, causing physical injury to himself," the motion states, adding that he is being treated at the Care Center for Mental Health in Key West.

It remains unclear whether Reza "possesses the ability to appreciate the charges or allegations against him and the nature and range of possible penalties," McFayden wrote.

Reza, who has pleaded not guilty, faces at least five years and eight months in prison if convicted on three felony charges of robbery, battery and aggravated battery. The State Attorney's Office is seeking to prosecute Reza as an adult.

The cost of the mental health evaluations has not been determined, but the average price for similar tests in other cases has been about $200, Monroe County Chief Assistant State Attorney Don Barrett said.

The state is prepared to argue that Reza is mentally competent to stand trial.

"I think that although Mr. Reza has some issues, I doubt that a court would declare him incompetent, though that remains to be seen," Barrett said. "We're prepared, despite whatever the doctor or doctors may find, to argue that he is not incompetent. I'm hesitant to say why at this time because it deals with specific arguments that I intend to make in court."

McFayden could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Circuit Judge David Audlin has not set a date to hear the motion. A trial date also has not been set, as attorneys are still interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence, Barrett said.

Reza and his co-defendants -- Christopher Harris, 17, of 322 Truman Ave.; Cornelies Jones, 17, of Duck Avenue; and Jonathan Bien-Aime, 18, of 1300 15th Court -- are accused of beating former Key West City Commission candidate Tom Milone moments after mugging 65-year-old Key West resident Don Sullivan on July 13.

Sullivan was mugged in the 600 block of Elizabeth Street; Milone was attacked near the cemetery at Frances and Angela streets, according to police. Milone, whose jaw was broken and several teeth knocked out, was taken to a Miami hospital for treatment.

Reza also was charged in the July 8 mugging of a 64-year-old New Jersey resident, Suend Lee, at the corner of Fleming and Grinnell streets. Lee was attacked from behind about 9 p.m. as he returned to a guesthouse after dinner, reports say.

Reza, Harris and Jones were released from jail after posting bond; Reza's was $75,000, while Harris' and Jones' was $45,000. Bien-Aime remains in jail in lieu of a $45,000 bond.

alinhardt@keysnews.com