Grisly slaying suspect mentally fit, psychologist testifies
A McHenry County man accused of killing a woman by setting her on fire inside a behavioral health clinic is mentally fit to stand trial on murder and other charges, a psychologist testified today.
Lawrence Hucksteadt is aware of the charges against him, grasps the roles of courtroom personnel and knows what could happen to him if convicted, psychologist Edward Mahoney said at the onset of a hearing to determine whether the Woodstock man goes to trial or back to a state psychiatric hospital.
"Despite Mr. Hucksteadt's mental illness, he understands the nature and purpose of the proceedings against him and is able to assist in his defense," Mahoney testified on behalf of county prosecutors. "Therefore, he is mentally fit to stand trial."
Hucksteadt, 45, is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated arson and heinous battery for a July 2004 attack on 69-year-old Ellen Polivka, a receptionist at a Woodstock clinic.
Authorities say Hucksteadt, at one time a clinic patient, argued with Polivka inside the facility then left. He returned with a can of gasoline and dumped it on the woman, then set her on fire. She succumbed to her injuries about a month later.
Hucksteadt has shuffled between jail and state psychiatrist hospitals ever since, as doctors have attempted to make him mentally fit for trial. Last April three doctors at the Elgin Mental Health Center submitted reports stating Hucksteadt's problems are so severe he may never be fit.
County prosecutors are challenging those findings, starting with Mahoney's testimony today. Mahoney said he met with Hucksteadt twice in the past five months - most recently on Friday - and found him to be "very engaging" and aware of his surroundings.
The fitness hearing adjourned after Mahoney's testimony and is scheduled to resume April 20 with testimony from defense psychiatrists.
Hucksteadt will remain in the Elgin Mental Health Center while the decision is pending. Even if found unfit for trial, it is likely authorities would keep him locked up through an involuntarily commitment.