Christopher Q. Petteway, accused of fatally stabbing his former partner, Robert Parise, last month in New London, did not cooperate with clinicians who attempted to evaluate him recently to determine if he's competent to stand trial, according to court officials.

His lawyer, Kevin C. Barrs, and a social worker met with Petteway, 42, during his appearance Tuesday in New London Superior Court, and Petteway agreed to cooperate. He then appeared briefly before Judge Hillary B. Strackbein, who continued the case to Jan. 2 for a competency report.

Clinicians from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction's office of Forensic Evaluations will meet with Petteway in prison to determine whether he understands the legal proceedings against him and is capable of assisting in his defense. The clinicians will report their findings to the court prior to Petteway's next court date.

He will not be able to enter a plea to the charges against him or decide whether he wants a probable cause hearing until he is found competent. Defendants in murder cases are entitled to a probable cause hearing within 60 days of their arrest at which the state has to prove it has enough evidence to prosecute them. For now, Petteway has waived the time period for the probable cause hearing.

Victim Services Advocate Stephanie Barber explained the latest development to family members and friends of Parise who had gone to court Tuesday expecting to hear whether Petteway would be able to stand trial.

Charged with murder and violation of a protective order, Petteway has been held in lieu of $2,050,000 since he allegedly stabbed Parise, 63, of 25 Brainard St., New London, at Parise's home on Oct. 4. He was captured a short time after the stabbing. After using a key to enter Parise's home, Petteway stabbed him as many times as he could, he told police.

Petteway had served a 30-day prison sentence this past summer after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct and second-degree threatening in connection with a June 19 incident involving Parise. A beloved local salon owner, Parise was working with Safe Futures, the area agency that assists victims of domestic violence, and had been assessed as being at high risk of being killed.

 According to court officials and documents, Petteway has a history of substance abuse and mental issues and previous convictions in New York, Florida and Virginia. His ex-wife, who grew up with him in Amityville, N.Y., has said he abused her for years.

Petteway is being held at the Garner Correctional Institution in Newtown, a high-security facility that houses prisoners with mental health issues.

k.florin@theday.com