FRESNO (AP) — A Fresno man who told detectives he strangled his 78-year-old grandmother will be tried on a murder charge.

The Fresno Bee reported Thursday  that a Superior Court judge ordered 24-year-old Travis Fendley to stand trial after a police detective testified that the suspect confessed to the strangling.

Defense lawyer Jane Boulger said her client never intended to kill his grandmother because he suffers from several mental disorders, including schizophrenia, and hears voices.

Police say after allegedly killing 78-year-old Joyce Frazier in December 2012, Fendley walked to his mother’s home and stole her car. He was found in Merced County later that day after he crashed the vehicle.

Because of his mental condition, Fendley has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years to life in prison.