Doctors Say Albrecht Muth "Currently Incompetent" To Proceed With Case

 

THE DOOR AT THE DRATH HOUSE, WITH RED POLICE TAPE

As ordered by DC Superior Court Judge Russell F. Canan, accused murderer Albrecht Muth has spent the last month undergoing a mental competency evaluation at St. Elizabeths Hospital. Today the doctors sent Canan their letter of assessment. In my earlier Washingtonian article on what is a competency evaluation, it was explained that the determining measure is three pronged. A patient has to meet these measures to be found competent. On that basis, the medical team wrote: "At present, Mr. Muth appears to have a factual understanding of the court proceedings. At this time, of concern is his ability to rationally understand the proceedings against him, or consult with his attorneys to a reasonable degree of rational understanding. Thus, it is opined that Mr. Muth is currently incompetent to proceed with his case." The underlining is mine, to emphasize the measures. 

 

The doctors say Muth's condition as presented "could be the result of several factors to include psychosis or feigned psychological processes in order to avoid prosecution." (Again, my underline)

Regardless, they recommend he stay at St. Elizabeths "to further clarify this issue....but also to explore the possibility of feigned psychological problems as part of his clinical presentation." His diagnosis, according to the letter, is "Pyschotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified," and he is receiving medication as part of the treatment. 

Tomorrow Wednesday Judge Canan held a hearing to discuss the letter. I was there and here's the story of what happened: washingtonian.com. 

Last week Muth was indicted for first-degree murder in the August beating death of his wife, Viola Drath.