ALLENTOWN — The homicide case against Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka was slammed to the mat Wednesday when a Lehigh County judge found that the retired wrestler is not mentally competent to stand trial for the 1983 homicide of his girlfriend, Nancy Argentino.

Judge Kelly L. Banach listened to four days of expert testimony and lawyers' arguments, and questioned the 73-year-old defendant herself, before handing down the ruling.

Banach said she sided with defense expert Dr. Frank Dattilio, a forensic psychologist who found that Snuka suffers from dementia so severe that he's unaware that he's been charged with homicide. The judge said she was also concerned about Snuka's ability to assist his attorney in a case based on 30-year-old allegations.

"Unfortunately, justice suffers when it's delayed," she said.

The ruling means that the case will be stayed for at least six months. Snuka was ordered to return to court on Dec. 2 for a review. That cycle could repeat indefinitely, until Snuka's condition improves or prosecutors drop the charges.