AUGUSTA (AP) — A trial is set to get underway soon for the first person in Maine to be forced to take psychiatric medication to restore his mental capacity.
Jury selection is slated for Thursday in the trial of 27-year-old Leroy Smith III, who’s charged with killing his father and dismembering the body. If a jury is seated, the trial will begin next Monday.
Smith was required to take medication under a 2015 law that aims to restore the mental capacity of defendants so they can participate in their own defense.
Three forensic psychologists testified in January that he’d made progress while on medication. And a judge ruled that he’s now competent to stand trial.
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