THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 31, 1995 TAG: 9503310563
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: DEDHAM, MASS. LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
John C. Salvi III, accused of a fatal shooting rampage at two abortion clinics, was sent for psychiatric evaluations Thursday to see whether he is mentally competent to stand trial.
Norfolk (Mass.) Superior Court Judge Barbara Dortch-Okara ordered Salvi sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for at least 20 days of evaluations.
Salvi's attorneys, J.W. Carney Jr. and Janice Bassil, said they have serious concerns about the 22-year-old man's mental competence.
Assistant District Attorney John Kivlan objected to the decision, saying Salvi should be evaluated by a court doctor because it would be faster.
Salvi, an aspiring hairdresser from Hampton, N.H., is accused of killing two clinic receptionists and wounding five bystanders Dec. 30, in a shooting spree at two Boston-area clinics. He is charged with murder and assault with intent to murder. Salvi was arrested in Norfolk Dec. 31 on charges of firing into the lobby of the Hillcrest Clinic building.
If Salvi is found mentally incompetent to stand trial, he would be locked up in the state psychiatric hospital - possibly for life. However, he would reevaluated every six months until he is found competent. by CNB