Judge Allows Forcible Medication of Tucson Shooting Suspect Loughner
A federal judge has ruled that the man accused of killing a federal judge and five others may be forcibly medicated so he is fit to stand trial.
U.S. District Judge Larry Burns of San Diego turned down a request by lawyers for Jared Loughner to bar forced treatment, the Los Angeles Times reports. “I have no reason to disagree with doctors,” Burns said. “I didn’t go to medical school.”
Prosecutors contend Loughner is dangerous and his outbursts demonstrate the need for treatment. According to court filings, Loughner has spit on defense lawyer Judy Clarke and thrown a chair at a psychiatrist. Officials put Loughner on medication on June 21.
Loughner was found incompetent to stand trial in May. Among those wounded in his alleged shooting spree was Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
