FAYETTEVILLE — The capital murder trial for a man accused of gunning down his girlfriend in a fit of rage has again been reset.

Eric Thomas Frankenhauser, 41, is charged with capital murder in the Aug. 5, 2012, death of 39-year-old Jessica Stewart. He also is charged with first-degree battery.

The case was reset to May 27 at the request of the defense. It is at least the fifth time the case has been continued.

If convicted, Frankenhauser faces life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.

Prosecuting Attorney John Threet said the multiple delays are not unusual because the state is seeking the death penalty.

Washington County Circuit Judge William Storey recently ruled a confession made by Frankenhauser to police can be used at trial. Storey also refused to rule the state’s death penalty and related laws unconstitutional.

Police said a neighbor found Stewart lying in the yard of 2228 W. Wedington Drive with a gunshot wound to the head. She died the next day at Washington Regional Medical Center.

Witnesses told police they saw Frankenhauser follow Stewart into the yard where she fell to her hands and knees. Frankenhauser reportedly approached Stewart and shot her in the head before fleeing in Stewart’s car.

Frankenhauser reportedly fled the state. Investigators issued a nationwide bulletin, and he was arrested a short time later walking down a rural road outside Columbus, Ohio. Investigators believe Frankenhauser was trying to get to Philadelphia, his hometown.

Frankenhauser had a mental evaluation in March to determine if he is competent to stand trial, understands the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him and if he can assist in his defense.

A doctor at the State Hospital said Frankenhauser suffers from recurrent major depressive disorder, which was in remission, and borderline personality disorder, but can conform his behavior to the law and is fit to stand trial. The doctor noted a history of Frankenhauser’s relationships ending because of domestic abuse.

Frankenhauser is being held without bond in the Washington County Detention Center.