Suspect in slaying of Oregon police chief ruled impaired
Trial will be delayed indefinitely
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
ST. HELENS — A judge has ruled that a man accused of killing the Rainier, Ore., police chief is mentally impaired and can’t assist with his defense, indefinitely delaying a trial.
The Longview Daily News reports Judge Ted Grove ruled Wednesday that 23-year-old Daniel Butts should be forcibly medicated.
Under Oregon law, a defendant found to be mentally impaired goes to the State Hospital for treatment until declared able to assist lawyers.
Butts is accused of aggravated murder in the shooting of Chief Ralph Painter in January 2011, after Painter responded to a report of a suspicious person at a car stereo shop.
His lawyers said in hearings last week that the Kalama, Wash., man is psychotic and won’t meet with them or help make decisions. Prosecutors argue Butts is faking illness.
More like this
Ore. police chief killing suspect ruled impaired
