Peterson's appointed public defender had pled not guilty for him on Friday, but later that day a judge decided he was unfit for trial. Circuit Judge Robert Freitag entered the finding Friday afternoon, about six hours after the not guilty plea.
On a motion by Peterson's attorneys, a court order was entered to have Springfield psychiatrist Dr. Terry Killian conduct a psychiatric evaluation to determine if Peterson was mentally fit to stand trial. Based on Killian's report, Freitag said there was sufficient reason to fine Peterson unfit.
Killian's report indicated there is a substantial probability that with treatment, Peterson could regain fitness within one year, said Freitag, who ordered Peterson remanded to the custody of the Illinois Department of Human Services for in-patient treatment of a secured setting.
The court proceedings will be put on hold until Peterson is returned to McLean County and a doctor determines that his mental health has improved.
A review hearing was set for Nov. 18th.
Information provided by The Pantagraph
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