Judge orders Kentin Drew Astin to undergo psych eval
Boulder County Judge John F. Stavely ordered Kenton Drew Astin to undergo a psychiatric evaluation at a competency hearing Monday morning to determine whether or not Astin is mentally competent enough to be tried in court.
Astin, who is accused of stabbing freshman finance major Michael Knorps, 17, before stabbing himself on the first day of classes, is being charged with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Astin’s attorney Matthew Connell presented Judge Stavely with a report conducted by a private psychiatrist questioning Astin’s ability to stand trial.
Prosecuting attorney Bruce Langer, unsatisfied with the privately conducted evaluation, requested that the court require Astin to undergo another evaluation conducted by a state hospital.
Astin’s preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday has been vacated pending the determination of the issue.
Astin faced similar charges including attempted murder, assault, and menacing in 2001, but was found not guilty due to insanity.
A new preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Astin is being held at a hospital in Pueblo and was not present at the competency hearing this afternoon.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Brad Cochi at brad.cochi@thecampuspress.com.
