Woodridge man unfit for trial in father's slaying

A Woodridge man accused of beating his father to death with a weed trimmer was found unfit for trial Friday.

DuPage County Judge Robert Kleeman made the finding after a doctor testified that 21-year-old Yashesh Desai appears to be suffering from a psychotic disorder.

Surrounded by sheriff's deputies, Desai was brought to court by force with his arms and ankles shackled after he refused to leave his jail cell. He mumbled at times but otherwise did not address the court.

The former University of Illinois student is charged with first-degree murder in the Aug. 14 slaying. Desai also attended Downers Grove South High School and College of DuPage.

Prosecutors said the victim, 47-year-old father, Sanjiv Desai, was bludgeoned in the head with a weed trimmer as he slept in his home on Plover Court in Woodridge.

Yashesh Desai gave a rambling confession, authorities said, in which he referenced Godzilla and made other nonsensical statements.

In October, he also was charged with biting and breaking the finger of a sheriff's sergeant as officers tried to move him from his jail cell, which he had soiled with urine and feces, prosecutors said.

On Friday, psychologist John Murray testified he evaluated Desai on two occasions and found him to be introverted and non-communicative. With treatment, however, it's possible Desai could be restored to fitness within a year, he said.

“In my judgment, Mr. Desai has a psychotic disorder,” Murray testified. “The majority of individuals with that disorder respond well to medication — a clear majority.”

Murray said Desai is likely to receive care at the state-run Chester Mental Health Center southeast of St. Louis. The defendant's condition will be re-evaluated periodically.

Desai's mother wept and covered her mouth as he was brought into court Friday.