Man ruled unfit for trial in NYC therapist slaying

NEW YORK (AP) — A schizophrenic accused of murdering a New York psychotherapist with a meat cleaver has been ruled mentally unfit for a trial that had been close to starting.

The decision today means David Tarloff will be sent to a state hospital for treatment until doctors find he has improved enough to stand trial — if they ever do.

The ruling came after two psychiatrists found him incompetent, and prosecutors said he refused to cooperate with a third exam.

Tarloff is charged with killing psychologist Kathryn Faughey in 2008 as part of a robbery plot targeting her office mate. He had planned an insanity defense.

Jury selection was under way last month until Tarloff’s behavior raised questions about his mental state.