THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 22, 1995 TAG: 9506220518
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: QUINCY PATRIOT LEDGER
DATELINE: DEDHAM, MASS. LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
Saying that John Salvi is ``preoccupied with psychotic thoughts,'' lawyers for the man accused of killing people working in an abortion clinic asked Tuesday for a full hearing on Salvi's competency to stand trial.
In a motion filed before Superior Court Judge Barbara Dortch-Okara, defense attorney Janice Bassil said Salvi is ``unable to discuss the facts of the case with counsel'' or ``rationally discuss'' possible defenses to charges he murdered two people and wounded five others at two Brookline clinics Dec. 30.
``The defendant continues to be preoccupied with psychotic thoughts which center around the persecution of Catholics and the use of a credit and debit monetary system,'' Bassil wrote. ``These thoughts have interfered with his capacity to reason and rationally understand the choices he must make in this case.''
Attached to Bassil's motion is a 26-page statement Salvi produced in February and March.
In neat printing, the 23-year-old Hampton, N.H., resident repeats his desire to be given the death penalty if convicted and to become a Catholic priest if acquitted.
``This is not a statement of guilt,'' Salvi wrote. ``However it is a statement about the persecution which the Catholic people face.''
The statement rambles about the church, the world monetary system and the antichrist.
Salvi is charged with the murder of receptionists Lee Ann Nichols at the PreTerm Health Services clinic and Shannon Lowney at the Planned Parenthood clinic.
Salvi has pleaded innocent.
He also faces charges for allegedly spraying the Hillcrest clinic in Norfolk, Va., with gunfire the day after the Brookline shootings, and federal gun charges that may lead to the death penalty being sought. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
John Salvi's lawyers say he is unable to help with a defense of
shootings at Mass. clinics.
KEYWORDS: MURDER SHOOTING ANTI-ABORTION
ABORTION CLINICS ARREST by CNB