Second report finds Fox River Grove murder suspect unfit for trial

A Fox River Grove man accused of fatally beating his stepmother with a hammer likely will be ruled mentally unfit to stand trial after a second expert witness reported that the murder suspect is unable to help his defense prepare a case.

The report by psychologist Orest Wasyliw states Martin N. Green, 26, suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and possibly bipolar disorder to the degree it prevents him from fully understanding the criminal proceedings against him and assisting his attorney in putting on a defense.

McHenry County prosecutors sought the opinion after a court-appointed psychiatrist last month issued a similar report.

Green attorney Henry Sugden said he expects both he and prosecutors to stipulate to the doctors' findings next week before McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather and ask that she rule him unfit to stand trial.

"It's my feeling that she should find him unfit and send him for treatment," Sugden said Friday. "He can't help me with his defense right now."

Philip Hiscock, criminal division chief for the McHenry County State's Attorney, said he will review Wasyliw's report before deciding whether to request a hearing on Green's fitness or stipulate to the doctors' findings. Prosecutors will not seek a third opinion, he said.

Green, of the 100 block of Gladys Avenue, faces six counts of first-degree murder in the Feb. 11 slaying of Patricia L. McNamara in the family home. Authorities allege he beat his 52-year-old stepmother to death the same morning his father gave him an ultimatum to either get help for his mental health problems or move out.

Green's family later issued a statement saying he had been battling mental illness for years. Sugden has said an insanity defense is possible.

If ruled unfit, Green would be sent to a secure state mental institution where psychologists will provide treatment aimed at restoring him to fitness. Both doctors who evaluated Green believe he can be made fit within a year.

Green, who remains in custody at the McHenry County jail on $5 million bail, could be sentenced to between 20 years to life in prison if found guilty.