Miss-Delectable
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Psychologist: Deaf, mute suspect not ready for trial
The psychologist for a suspect who is deaf and mute says the man remains incompetent to stand trial on charges that he raped and killed a Williamsburg-area teenager.
Thirty-five-year-old Oswaldo Martinez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, is undergoing treatment in Western State Hospital to help him understand the charges. Part of his treatment involves watching the television show "Law and Order," which is interpreted through sign language.
Psychologist Barbara Haskins said yesterday in Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court that hospital staffers are working on having Martinez "form an opinion about a given character on the show," to help him understand guilt and innocence.
Haskins says Martinez is making progress.
Haskins said Martinez still doesn't know he could face execution if convicted in the January 2005 slaying of 16-year-old Brittany Binger.
Circuit Judge Samuel Powell scheduled Martinez's next hearing for May 21st.
The psychologist for a suspect who is deaf and mute says the man remains incompetent to stand trial on charges that he raped and killed a Williamsburg-area teenager.
Thirty-five-year-old Oswaldo Martinez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, is undergoing treatment in Western State Hospital to help him understand the charges. Part of his treatment involves watching the television show "Law and Order," which is interpreted through sign language.
Psychologist Barbara Haskins said yesterday in Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court that hospital staffers are working on having Martinez "form an opinion about a given character on the show," to help him understand guilt and innocence.
Haskins says Martinez is making progress.
Haskins said Martinez still doesn't know he could face execution if convicted in the January 2005 slaying of 16-year-old Brittany Binger.
Circuit Judge Samuel Powell scheduled Martinez's next hearing for May 21st.