Alleged Dothan club shooter must have psychiatric evaluation

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File Photo: Peterson at the time of his arrest (Photo Source: RickeyStokesNews.com)

DOTHAN, AL (WSFA)

A Dothan man has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to multiple charges relating to the August 9 shooting at Teaser's night club in Wicksburg.

Court documents show 22-year-old Ryan Petersen pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease to one count capital murder two or more persons, one count attempted murder, and three counts capital murder during burglary. Petersen is accused of opening fire at Teaser's Night Club in Dothan back in August and killing 31-year-old Tiffany Paige Grissett of Dale County, 59-year-old Thomas Robbins of Dothan and 20-year-old Cameron Eubanks of Dothan. A fourth victim, 33-year-old Scotty Russell of Opp was also injured during the incident.

As a result of his plea, Petersen has been ordered to undergo a competency hearing to determine the defendant's mental state at the time of the offense as well as his ability to stand trial.

Authorities say Petersen shot all four people, killing three after a disagreement that ultimately resulted in him being escorted from the club before the shootings. Police say after he was shown out of the club, Petersen retrieved a pistol from his vehicle, returned to the club, and opened fire.

Petersen allegedly fled the club and was arrested several hours later. Investigators found him wearing only a pair of shorts in a wooded area approximately half a mile from the crime scene. Officers reported that Petersen was still under the influence of alcohol at the time of his arrest.