BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - A judge has ordered a Massachusetts man accused of fatally stabbing another man in downtown Burlington to be hospitalized until he’s fit for trial.
The Burlington Free Press reports (https://bfpne.ws/2sX8rQU ) Judge James Crucitti deemed 37-year-old Louis Fortier a “person in need of treatment” Monday after hearing testimony from a doctor who examined Fortier.
Fortier pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in March. Police say he stabbed 43-year-old Richard Medina after a dispute.
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Crucitti says he wants to ensure Fortier is competent to stand trial.
Psychiatrist Dr. David Rosmarin says he believes Fortier suffers from schizophrenia and should be placed in a psychiatric hospital so he can be medicated.
Both Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George and Fortier’s attorney agreed with Judge Crucitti’s order.
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Information from: The Burlington Free Press, https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com
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