February 28, 2008

Worcester TV 3 covers Szantyr Competency hearing.  

Jennifer Eagan reports that Dr Malcolm Rogers testified that in his opinion John Szantyr is competent to stand trial. Dr Rogers further stated it was apparent to him that John Szantyr understood who the alleged victim was.

Judge David Ricciardone acknowledged during the hearing that he had not read the medical report written by Dr Rogers.  This is the same report that was missing from the court hearing of August 20, 2007. The court docket does record the report being placed into evidence on August 21, 2007. After a twenty minute break to locate the report, once again the report could not be located by the district court clerks.

The hearing concluded at 4pm without Worcester District Court Judge Ricciardone issuing his decision regarding the competency of John Szantry.

Judge Ricciardone stated if he ruled in favor of the Commonwealth he would still allow the defense to place their witnesses on the stand.

Court is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 9am in courtroom 16.