Judge to Consider Request For Forced Meds in Killing Case

A judge will soon consider a prosecutor's request that a Maine man accused of killing and dismembering his father be involuntarily medicated to restore his competency to stand trial.

Leroy Smith III of Gardiner is charged in the May 2014 killing of Leroy Smith Jr. inside an apartment they shared. Smith was declared incompetent to stand trial after he was diagnosed with acute delusional thinking.

Prosecutors want Smith to take medication in hopes he can become competent to stand trial. The request is due for a Dec. 2 hearing.

Smith's attorney has opposed the state's forcible medication request. He says Wednesday's hearing could determine whether Smith will be involuntarily medicated.

Maine is seeking its first use of a new law prosecutors say allows for the involuntary administration of psychiatric medication. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us