Judge Larry Dunn has granted a defense motion for accused murderer Ruben Corzine to undergo a fitness evaluation. The motion was filed last week by court-appointed attorney James Lane and Dunn approved the motion this morning without objection from State’s Attorney Cassandra Goldman who said the evaluation was “necessary and appropriate”.
Dr. Lawrence Jeckel of Champaign will perform the evaluation which Dunn said may take 60 to 90 days to complete. Corzine is accused of stabbing his fiancé, Jennifer Phelps, to death at their Cherry Street home on January 29th.
Members of Phelps’ family were in the courtroom for Thursday’s hearing. In the motion, Lane contended Corzine has suffered from mental illnesses in the past and has been previously treated for severe mental illness and was prescribed medications. Lane contended Corzine is not taking those prescribed meds currently. The motion also states that since being arrested Corzine has attempted suicide in the Wabash County Jail.
After granting the fitness motion, Dunn postponed Thursday’s scheduled preliminary hearing and set a status hearing for March 12th.
Dunn pointed out that if Corzine is found unfit, he won’t be set free. Instead, he’ll be sent to a mental health facility for treatment. After a year there, another evaluation would take place to determine Corzine’s fitness.
WSJD File Photo.