Psych exam for Fox River Grove man charged with killing stepmom

A judge ordered a psychiatric examination Thursday to determine whether a Fox River Grove man charged with murdering his stepmother last month is mentally fit to stand trial on charges that could put him in prison for the rest of his life.

Martin N. Green, 26, likely will undergo the exam within the next month in the McHenry County jail, where he is being held on $5 million bond awaiting trial on six counts of first-degree murder stemming from the Feb. 11 slaying.

The charges allege Green, of the 100 block of Gladys Avenue, beat 52-year-old Patricia L. McNamara to death with a hammer inside the family home. The murder, authorities said, happened just hours after Green's father told him to either get help for his mental illness or move out of the home.

Green has denied the charges.

His attorney, Henry Sugden, said Thursday there is reason to doubt whether his client fully comprehends what is happening to him.

"Based on talking with him, his family members, friends, court personnel and staff in the jail, there are some issues about his ability to understand what's going on," Sugden said.

Under state law, a criminal defendant is unfit for trial if he cannot understand the proceedings against him or cannot help in his defense.

County prosecutors did not object to the defense request for a fitness examination, to be conducted by psychiatrist Albert Stipes.

Sugden said an insanity defense for Green is "going to be discussed," but for now the exam will focus on his fitness to stand trial.

Green is scheduled to return to court April 26, at which time the evaluation should be complete. If ruled unfit, Green would be transferred to a state mental health facility where doctors will work to make him ready for trial.