Hurricane evacuee still unfit to stand trial for attempted murder

A Hurricane Katrina evacuee charged with trying to kill his girlfriend in the Crystal Lake residence where they found refuge remains unfit to stand trial more than two years after the attack, his attorney said Tuesday.

The finding, from state mental health authorities treating Willie M. Terry, sets up a possible court hearing early next year at which a judge would determine whether he is guilty of the crime and what should happen to him next.

Terry, 48, faces charges of attempted murder, armed violence and aggravated domestic battery stemming from a Sept. 9, 2006, incident in which police say he stabbed his girlfriend at least five times in the face, torso and arm.

Terry, who moved to Crystal Lake after Katrina ruined his New Orleans-area home. later told police he believed the 54-year-old victim had become a demon and God had ordered him to kill her.

Terry has been declared mentally unfit for trial for most of the 27 months since, and treatment a state mental health facility has not changed his condition, Senior Assistant Public Defender Christopher Harmon said.

On Tuesday, Harmon said he would soon file court documents seeking a discharge hearing. a triallike proceeding at which a judge will hear evidence on the case and determine whether Terry is guilty, not guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity.

If guilty, the court could order Terry held for up to two more years while undergoing treatment to make him fit for trial. If not guilty, prosecutors could then attempt to have Terry committed to a state facility through civil court proceedings.

Nichole Owens, criminal division chief for the McHenry County State's Attorney, said the office is evaluating its options, but indicated there may be one hitch in the process. The victim, she said, now is transient and would have to be located to testify against Terry.

If she cannot be located, Owens said, the state would consider trying to have Terry committed in civil court.