Courthouse shooting suspect ruled unable to stand trial
A federal judge ruled a man suspected of shooting a security guard at a Phoenix courthouse was not able to stand trial at this time because of his mental health.
James Lee Carr was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a federal officer outside the Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse on Sept. 15. The guard was conducting a security sweep of a UPS truck on the north side of the building.
Magistrate Judge Maria Aguilera on Thursday ordered Carr to be sent to a medical facility for up to four months, according to court records. The Associated Press was the first to report on the order Monday.
At the facility, Carr will be evaluated to determine if he has the ability to go through the rest of the court process in the future.
During the Thursday hearing, Carr’s lawyer stated his client has “a significant history of mental illness.” The lawyer told the court communication has been difficult because of his client believing he is hearing voices.
The judge stated in the ruling the lawyer’s claims are consistent with the court’s observations of Carr.
“During the hearing, Defendant appeared to whisper to someone next to him
although no one was there. Additionally, Defendant made unusual inquiries during the hearing,” Aguilera wrote. “These include asking whether the Court is going to hang him, and whether he will be transported to a new facility in a boat.”
Federal prosecutors did not object to the judge’s order, according to court records.
According to the order, the U.S. Marshals Service is required to coordinate with the Bureau of Prisons to transport Carr and place him in a medical facility.
If a psychologist or psychiatrist finds Carr not able to stand trial at any time or at the end of the four-month commitment, he will remain at the facility pending further court order.
A status conference was set for May 21.
Before the shooting, the guard told FBI investigators he had heard someone say “hey” while doing the security sweep of the UPS truck. The guard looked up and saw Carr driving west on Washington Street, according to court records.
Carr fired three rounds at the guard and hit him in the chest, according to court records. The guard was able to fire back.
The guard was wearing body armor and sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
According to court records, Carr called his brother and admitted the shooting. His brother told authorities Carr indicated “he wanted to die because he shot the security guard.”
Carr’s brother, ex-wife and son found him in a park wearing a full suit. He had firearms with him. The family took the firearms away from him before calling 911.
His ex-wife told The Associated Press Carr needs help but has never been violent.