Accused Killer Unfit to Stand Trial, 3 Psychiatrists Report
Three psychiatrists have concluded that a Nevada County man charged with murdering three people at a mental health clinic and a restaurant is not fit to stand trial.
Scott Harlan Thorpe went on a shooting rampage in January because he was dissatisfied with the care he received at a Nevada City clinic and thought a Grass Valley restaurant was poisoning him, police said.
Three psychiatrists agreed with defense attorney Thomas Anderson that a judge probably would find that Thorpe is not mentally fit to stand trial on the three murder and two attempted murder charges. The final psychiatry report was filed Monday.
Nevada County Dist. Atty. Michael Ferguson said he will ask Nevada County Superior Court Judge John Darlington to rule on Thorpe’s competency based on the three reports, rather than demanding a jury trial or requiring the psychiatrists to testify.
If Darlington agrees with the psychiatrists, Thorpe will be sent to a state mental hospital for evaluation and treatment until he can assist in his own defense.
Ferguson said many of those initially found incompetent are deemed competent within six months, and can then stand trial.
“I’m optimistic,” Ferguson said. “It’s a setback. It’s not the end of the world.”
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