Judge: Taylor Not Fit For Trial

Suspect's Progress To Be Revewied Again In 90 Days

PITTSBURGH, Updated 9:54 p.m. EDT April 20, 2000 -- A judge ruled that the man charged with killing three people and wounding two others in a March shooting spree will be returned to a state psychiatric hospital until his condition is stable enough to allow him to stand trial.

WTAE-TV's Sheldon Ingram reports that during a competency hearing Thursday before Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning, psychiatrists for the defense and prosecution agreed that 39-year-old Ronald Taylor needs time to adjust to medication.

Taylor has been diagnosed with paranoid chronic schizophrenia.

Taylor will be returned to Mayview State Hospital for 90 days. One psychiatrist said Taylor might be able to participate in a trial within 45 to 60 days of treatment.

Taylor is accused of fatally shooting a maintenance man on March 1 at his apartment building in Wilkinsburg, east of Pittsburgh, setting his apartment on fire then shooting four other people -- two fatally -- at fast-food restaurants.

Doctors at Mayview had previously conducted a mental evaluation of Taylor and determined that he understood the homicide charges against him and was able to help in his defense.

His progress will be re-evaluated after 90 days.

Previous Stories:

• April 19, 2000: Ronald Taylor Faces Another Evaluation
• April 13, 2000: Accused Gunman Declared Competent

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