10/16/11 Stutzman not comptent to stand trial

  • By Nick Sabo
  • October 17, 2011
  • 291
                        
SUMMARY: Will undergo treatment at psychiatric hospital to restore competency A Navarre man charged with murdering his adoptive parents will receive treatment at a Columbus mental hospital after being found incompetent to stand trial. Wayne County Common Pleas Judge Corey Spitler Friday Oct. 14 ordered Rodney Stutzman, 32, 17559 Harrison Road, to undergo treatment to restore his ability to assist in his own defense at the Timothy B. Moritz Forensic Unit. Stutzman is charged with murdering his adoptive parents, Mervin and Viola Stutzman, Jan. 9. An evaluation by forensic pathologist Dr. Galit Galit Askenazi found Stutzman shows symptoms of several psychological disorders that affect his ability to understand court proceedings as well as limit his ability to assist his attorneys in his defense. However, Askenazi further Found that Stutzman can be made competent through treatment within a year. Spitler read from a portion of Askenazi’s report Friday that states Stutzman “presents as an individual suffering from true symptoms of psychosis” that have developed over “the last couple of years”. Askenazi suggests the psychosis originated some time after Stutzman joined the U.S. Army, as he was able to finish basic training but “received poor work reviews even on simple tasks years later”. Court records indicate Stutzman was in the army from 2006 to 2009. The report states Stutzman is having difficulty communicating vocally, but Askenazi writes that Stutzman “should be able to convey information via writing”. Askenazi recommends treatment for “symptoms of psychosis, depression and anxiety”. Overall, Askenazi writes that “Stutzman can be restored to competency within the statutory framework with effective treatment of his psychotic symptoms and education regarding legal proceedings.” Further evaluations of possible seizure activity and Stutzman’s IQ are also recommended in Askenazi’s report. The evaluation was carried out at the request of Stutzman’s attorneys, David Doughten and Public Defender Barb Wire. Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Lutz has a right to challenge the report and subject Stutzman to a second evaluation. However, Lutz stipulated to Askenazi’s findings and recommendations. Spitler ruled Friday to allow the state the option for a second evaluation, if needed. Mervin and Viola Stutzman were found murdered in their Harrison Road home Jan. 13, dead from shotgun wounds to the head. Ridney Stutzman was arrested Jan. 13 in West Virginia, driving his adoptive parent’s car. Stutzman is charged with two counts of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, grand theft, theft of credit cards and gross abuse of a corpse. The aggravated murder charges carry the death penalty.


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