Muhammad 'Psychotic,' Medical Assessment Says (Maryland sniper)

[Judi Lynn]

Muhammad 'Psychotic,' Medical Assessment Says

By Ernesto Londoño
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 29, 2006; Page B09

Sniper John Allen Muhammad is not competent to stand trial, his attorneys argued in a motion filed yesterday along with a psychiatric evaluation that says the defendant should not be allowed to defend himself during his murder trial because he is "psychotic, delusional" and "paranoid."

The report -- the first public disclosure of a mental health expert's assessment of the sniper's mind -- was filed a day before Muhammad is scheduled to appear before a judge in Rockville to explain why he wants to fire his attorneys and defend himself during his Montgomery County trial, which is scheduled to start May 1.

Yale University psychiatrist Dorothy O. Lewis, the defense expert who interviewed Muhammad twice in September 2003 and for four hours Monday, said the sniper told her that he is innocent and believes "his arrest was the result of an elaborate scheme to frame him for the murders."

She wrote that Muhammad told her he also believes Lee Boyd Malvo -- his alleged accomplice in the series of slayings committed with a high-powered rifle in October 2002 -- was "fed information by the police and forced to make a false confession."

Lewis wrote that Muhammad's judgment and ability to think logically are "severely compromised" by brain dysfunction and that he probably suffers from "schizo-affective schizophrenia."
(snip/...)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/28/AR2006032801910.html?nav=rss_metro

[kestrel91316]

1. Only a good psychiatrist knows for sure, but I find mental illness

a very plausible explanation for his actions.

My mom has schizo-affective schizophrenia. She lived through hell for over 20 years, and is now on psych meds FINALLY and in assisted living. She never hurt anybody, but I think that's just the luck of the draw.

[Warpy]

2. Most of them don't hurt anybody else

but their fear prevents them from trusting anyone enough to accept help, to take meds, often to eat and drink, and they end up killing themselves through self-enforced neglect.

The definition of "danger to oneself" needs to be expanded beyond imminent suicide, IMO.

I have a relative who goes off his meds and goes off the deep end periodically. He's wrecked his work history, his finances, his home, and alienated most of his friends during these episodes. There needs to be a mechanism to pick him out of the alley and take him in and get him back on his meds before he does such a thorough job.

The neglect of mental illness in this country is criminal.

[DELUSIONAL]

5. "The neglect of mental illness in this country is criminal."

I agree completely.

And with the closing of mental hospitals and no money for community mental health -- jails are housing many people who just need treatment& meds.

[CottonBear]

3. My good friend's mom had schizophrenia & ended up in assisted living

on some meds and eventually died of cancer. So sad. The dad divorced the mom years before but continued to take care of her (as much as he could and the children could) for years. It was so difficult and sad. Best wishes to you and your mom. :hug:

[Ian David]

4. They're just not used to Evangelical Fundamentalist christians

They've got that glazed-over look like a puppy chasing a ball that just screams, "I hear Jesus in my head all the time and I just have to tell you what he says!"

[MiniMe]

6. I have a problem with the finding of "not guilty by reason of insanity"

That is in general, and the jury so far has not found that in this case. But if you did the crime, you did the crime. You are still guilty. While I think insanity should come into play in the sentencing phase, I don't think it should play a role in whether a person is guilty or innocent.

[sweetheart]

7. the tip of that irresponisbility iceburg

I didn't do it, my crazy mind did,
The drug dealer sold it to me, i am innocent,
the cult leader made me place an ebay bid,
but i'm not responsible, somehow not sentient.
I didn't trash my previous relationship,
that it was predestined said the psychic clairvoyant,
I fell on the floor fresh-waxed ooh, I slipped,
its clearly the fault of the pavement inhabitant.

I started a war on the planet's other side,
But someone else caused it, fights and dies, unpentinent,
I retire as leader while in office smiling snide,
I can do whatever crime i want, i'm the fucking president.
Insanity is often the excuse of those culpable,
Seems sanity is even the more irresponsible.

[LisaL]

8. He has already been convicted and got the death penalty.

I am not sure why they would need a second trial.

[MiniMe]

9. Different state, different crime

He shot a multitude of people in Maryland and Virginia. I think Maryland was the first place they hit. But my post was not necessarily about this particular case, it was more about an "insanity" plea in general. Even if you are insane, you still did the crime.