SALT LAKE CITY — A psychiatric nurse who observed the man charged with abducting Elizabeth Smart said Tuesday she believes he faked psychiatric symptoms and behaviors to avoid prosecution and remain at a state hospital.
Leslie Miles, a former employee of Utah State Hospital, took the witness stand during the second day of the competency hearing for Brian David Mitchell, 56, who faces federal charges of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines.Mitchell was able to take care of himself and ask for things while in the hospital’s forensic unit but refused to participate in any treatments or therapies, Miles said.
“It was the refusal that was a big red flag that he was faking,” said Miles, who worked at the hospital for 13 years and was the nursing supervisor of the forensic unit. “He wouldn’t engage in any way to move himself along.”
Mitchell has been diagnosed with a rare delusional disorder and was twice deemed incompetent for trial in a state criminal case.
[…]The 10-day hearing in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City will determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial. A ruling from Judge Dale Kimball was not immediately expected.
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See Also
• Kidnap victim Elizabeth Smart recounts rape ordeal: “Asked by a prosecutor to describe Brian David Mitchell, the self-described prophet accused of holding her captive for nine months, Ms Smart replied: “Evil, wicked, manipulative, stinky, slimy, greedy, selfish, not spiritual, not religious, not close to God.””
• Brian Mitchell’s ‘Manifesto’