Hijack Suspect Ruled Unfit for Trial
- Share via
SAN FRANCISCO — A man who tried to hijack a jetliner Nov. 6 while brandishing an ax over the head of the pilot was judged incompetent to stand trial Tuesday by a federal magistrate.
James Barrett Drake, 37, suffers from manic-depression, hears voices and must take large amounts of anti-psychotic medication, according to results of two psychiatric evaluations.
U.S. Magistrate Joan Brennan ruled at the end of a brief hearing that Drake “is not presently competent to stand trial.”
She ordered him committed to a federal psychiatric prison for at least four months. He will then be returned to court to determine whether he is able to stand trial.
Drake rushed onto an Air Canada jetliner Nov. 6 shortly after arriving at San Francisco International Airport on a flight from Seoul. He held the captain hostage for three hours while waving an emergency fire ax over the pilot’s head.
Drake later told FBI investigators he was trying to escape the Mafia, which he believed was chasing him.
Drake told officers he had a wife, child and house in Dublin, Ireland.
He could face life in prison if brought to trial and convicted on the charge.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
