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Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14

Man accused of killing minor league baseball pitcher’s family will be evaluated

This photo made available by the Pittsylvania County Sheriff shows Matthew Bernard on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. Authorities said Bernard is charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor indicated he's related to the victims. (Pittsylvania County Sheriff Office via AP)
This photo made available by the Pittsylvania County Sheriff shows Matthew Bernard on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. Authorities said Bernard is charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Pittsylvania County Sheriff Mike Taylor indicated he's related to the victims. (Pittsylvania County Sheriff Office via AP)

DANVILLE, Va. (AP) — A judge has ordered a psychological evaluation for the man who police say killed the wife, son and mother-in-law of a minor league baseball pitcher.

The Danville Register & Bee reports the order was made Thursday by Judge Brian Turpin in the Pittsylvania Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. The evaluation for 18-year-old Matthew Bernard is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Authorities say Bernard killed his sister, Emily Bivens, and her 1-year-old son Cullen Bivens, and his mother, Joan Bernard, in late August.

Emily Bivens was married to Blake Bivens, a pitcher for the Montgomery Biscuits, a Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Cullen Bivens was the couple’s 1-year-old child.

Bernard has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and related charges.