Giffords Shooting Suspect Not Yet Ready for Trial
Jared Loughner is not yet competent to stand trial, according to the court-appointed psychologist in the case of the shooting that wounded Gabrielle Giffords.
Christina Pietz recommended evaluating Loughner’s competence in another four months, the Arizona Daily Star reported Thursday, citing a court order.
Loughner’s first four-month-stay is set to expire Feb. 8, and the judge in the case set a hearing for Monday to consider Pietz’s recommendation, the newspaper said.
“Dr. Pietz does, however, believe that the defendant has made measurable progress toward competency and that his mental state will continue to improve,” the Daily Star quoted U.S. District Judge Larry Burns as saying in his order.
Loughner killed six people and wounded another 13 when he opened fire at a constituent meeting in Tucson, Ariz. Jan. 8 2011 held by Giffords, who was then a congresswoman.
Giffords has recovered partially from her wounds, but this month resigned from Congress to focus fully on her recovery. Christina Pietz recommended evaluating Loughner’s competence in another four months, the Arizona Daily Star reported Thursday, citing a court order.
Loughner’s first four-month-stay is set to expire Feb. 8, and the judge in the case set a hearing for Monday to consider Pietz’s recommendation, the newspaper said.
“Dr. Pietz does, however, believe that the defendant has made measurable progress toward competency and that his mental state will continue to improve,” the Daily Star quoted U.S. District Judge Larry Burns as saying in his order.
Loughner killed six people and wounded another 13 when he opened fire at a constituent meeting in Tucson, Ariz. Jan. 8 2011 held by Giffords, who was then a congresswoman.
Giffords has recovered partially from her wounds, but this month resigned from Congress to focus fully on her recovery.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
