Doctors say German man charged in slaying of journalist wife remains incompetent for trial
Posted Apr 24, 2012 11:00:53 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WASHINGTON – A German man charged with killing his socialite wife in a fashionable Washington neighbourhood remains mentally incompetent to stand trial.
That is the assessment of doctors who interviewed Albrecht Muth last week. A court hearing addressing Muth’s mental status is scheduled for Wednesday.
The 47-year-old Muth is charged with first-degree murder in the August death of 91-year-old Viola Drath, a German journalist who was found strangled and beaten inside the couple’s home.
The doctors say their interview with Muth on Friday raised doubt about his ability to understand the court case against him and to assist his lawyers. They recommend that he remain hospitalized for mental illness and say that he may ultimately be ready for trial.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment.
