DANVILLE - The accused killer of a Danville woman will be evaluated by a psychiatrist to determine whether he is competent enough to stand trial, said the Montour County district attorney Robert W. Buehner Jr.
Buehner said Dr. Richard Fischbein, of Wilkes-Barre, will examine Westley T. Wise, 32, of Danville.
Wise will stand trial for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Jessica Frederick, 25, formerly of the Shamokin area, at their 508 E. Front St. home in January.
While the county will pay for the evaluation, Columbia-Montour President Judge Thomas James Jr. capped the price at $3,000. The prosecution also has the option to hire its own psychiatrist to make a determination.
"This is the first major issue that needs to be decided. We'll take it from there," said Buehner on Wednesday.
In May, Wise's attorney, Anthony J. McDonald, Berwick, filed documents in court stating that Wise is incompetent to stand trial because of serious head trauma that was a result of an accident in 1984 when he was six.
Additionally, he has depression, anxiety, paranoia and bipolar disorder, and has been under almost continuous psychological and psychiatric care since the accident. He was under such care at the time of his girlfriend's murder, according to the documents.
There were other motions filed by the defense in terms of jury selection and trial re-location, but it was determined Monday by the judge that those decisions would be made when a trial date is set, said Buehner.
According to court documents, Wise had admitted that he stabbed Frederick with a serrated steak knife in the throat and chest between 7 and 8 p.m. Jan. 24 after an argument about their relationship. He had been drinking beer prior to the incident and took various medications after the stabbing.
Wise pleaded not guilty before James. He was charged by Sgt. William Wilt III of the Danville Borough Police with the death of Frederick.
Buehner said previously that the death penalty will not be sought.
Wise remains in Montour County Prison, where he is being held without bail.