$1M bail for WA mental patient held in slaying

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A Western State Hospital mental patient accused of killing another patient by stabbing a pen into his ear has been ordered held on $1 million bail.

The 40-year-old man was arrested for investigation of second-degree murder after 28-year-old Paul Montefusco was found dead last Friday.

Bail was set Monday at an initial court appearance.

Citing court papers, KOMO-TV reports the 40-year-old man told police the victim came into his room, urinated on him and began masturbating. A fight ensued.

Prosecutors continue to investigate. Deputy Prosecutor Stephen Penner tells KOMO his office wants to be careful and take its time to make any charging decision.

State Department of Social and Health Services spokesman Thomas Shapley tells The News Tribune that both men had been civilly committed to the hospital.

Hospital CEO Jess Jamieson calls the death “tragic.”