PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A judge has decided to release the mental health evaluation of the suspect in the fatal shooting of Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter last January.
The Oregonian reports that Columbia County Circuit Judge Ted Grove will allow the release of the evaluation of 21-year-old Daniel Butts of Kalama, Wash., on July 15, one week before a hearing to decide if Butts can assist in his own defense.
The ruling came at the request of the Portland newspaper.
Columbia County District Attorney Steve Atchison said it will be up to the judge to determine if Butts can assist in his own defense.
Butts is accused of shooting Painter at an audio store in Rainier after the police chief responded to a call that a man was behaving suspiciously.
