Psychological exam ordered for Crystal Lake murder suspect

A Crystal Lake man accused of brutally beating and stabbing his 80-year-old mother to death last week will undergo a psychological evaluation to determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.

James E. Trzcinsky, 50, has been held in the McHenry County jail since his arrest Friday on three counts of first-degree murder stemming from the slaying of his mother in their home on the 3400 block of Crystal Lake Avenue.

Authorities say Trzcinski, who has a documented history of mental illness dating back about 35 years, repeatedly bludgeoned and stabbed Dorothy Trzcinski, then waited inside the home for police to arrest him.

His attorney, Senior Assistant Public Defender Christopher Harmon, said Tuesday that based on his attempts to speak with Trzcinski there is genuine doubt he is fit for trial. In order to be fit, state law says, a defendant must understand the criminal proceedings, the role of the various court officers and be able to assist in his or her defense.

"He did not make any sense with his speaking," Harmon said. "I could have no meaningful discourse with my client."

McHenry County prosecutors did not object to the exam, and concurred there is reason to doubt Trzcinski's fitness. Trzcinski was not in court for Tuesday's brief hearing.

If Trzcinski is declared unfit for trial, he will go to a secure state mental health facility - likely in Elgin or downstate Chester - either until doctors believe he is ready for trial or, through further proceedings, a judge declares it unlikely he will ever be fit.

Attorneys Tuesday were unsure of whether the fitness evaluation, to be conducted by a psychologist with the Chicago-based Issac Ray Center, would be complete in time of Trzcinski's next court date, March 25. Until then, he remains in custody at the county jail on $3 million bond.