Judge rips accused killer Frank Dienes for 'playing chess game with the court'

CLEVELAND - During a court appearance Tuesday morning, a judge ripped accused killer Frank Dienes for “playing a chess game with the court.”

Judge John Russo said Dienes was being a “liar” and “manipulator” by trying to convince doctors that he has a mental illness. Dienes has been charged with the murder of Joe Kopp, who was found buried in the backyard of Dienes’ Seven Hills home earlier this year.

[ WEB EXTRA: Watch courtroom video as Judge Russo verbally scolds Dienes for faking hallucinations and trying to fool doctors and nurses. If using mobile, click the video tab to view ]

Russo also doubled Dienes’ bond, increasing it to $1 million. If he is able to post bond, Dienes will be confined to his house and forced to wear an electronic monitoring device, Russo said.

Dienes has been undergoing mental evaluations to determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial, but Russo said that Dienes has been putting on a show for the doctors, trying to convince them he has a mental illness.

Dienes’ behavior with the doctors contradicts his actions when he is not being evaluated, Russo said.

Russo pointed to Dienes being a good chess player and recorded conversations with his wife as evidence that he is acting during mental evaluations. Dienes' attorney requested an independent mental health evalaution.

News Channel 5's Paul Kiska will have the complete story tonight at 5 on News Channel 5.