PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Prosecutors in Columbia County say the mental health evaluation of a Washington state man charged with the murder of Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter has been completed.
District Attorney Steve Atchison said the evaluation was done by an Oregon doctor at the Columbia County Jail in St. Helens to assess whether 21-year-old Daniel Butts of Kalama, Wash., can assist in his defense.
Atchison told The Oregonian the report remains confidential and was sealed by a judge. He said the next step is a closed-door meeting with the lawyer for Butts and a judge.
It will be up to the judge to determine if Butts can assist in his own defense.
