CUYAHOGA COUNTY Psychologist: Man charged in Case shooting is sane
Previous testimony said the defendant is delusional.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- A psychologist testified that the man accused of a shooting rampage that killed a student at Case Western Reserve University about two years ago is competent to stand trial.
Barbara Bergman said on Monday at a competency hearing that Biswanath Halder is disturbed, but not mentally ill. She was called as a prosecution witness. Halder's attorneys questioned her Tuesday.
Halder, a former business graduate student at the school, was enraged because the university failed to discipline a computer-lab monitor Halder accused of destroying his life's work, a Web site he hoped would be beneficial to business in India, Bergman said.
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Peggy Foley Jones must decide whether Halder is able to understand the charges against him and assist in his defense. Jones has not indicated when she will rule.
About 100 people hid in offices, classrooms and closets of the university's business school as Halder, 64, roamed the hallways shooting more than seven hours on May 9, 2003, police said.
Fatality
Student Norman Wallace of Youngstown did not know Halder, had no connection to him and was standing in a hallway speaking with friends when he was shot and killed. Two other people were wounded.
Prosecutors want to seek the death penalty if Halder is convicted of aggravated murder.
Three weeks ago, two psychologists testifying for the defense said Halder might understand the legal process, but is not able to help in his defense. James Eisenberg, one of those who analyzed Halder, testified then that based on three meetings with Halder and letters Halder has written, there is clear evidence he is delusional.