At a hearing today, Albrecht Muth, 47, a Georgetown man accused of first-degree murder in the death of his wife Viola Drath, 91, was found to be incompetent to stand trial because of mental health disorders. But the report from Saint Elizabeth’s left open the possibility that Muth could become competent before his October trial date.
According to a mental health report from Saint Elizabeth’s, Muth was diagnosed with delusional disorder, persectury type, and schizotypal personality disorder. He is being treated for these disorders and has the possibility of regaining his mental health, the report said.
“What remains of concern is his ability to rationally understand the proceedings against him or consult with his attorneys to a reasonable degree of rational understanding,” the report states. “Thus, it is opined that Mr. Muth is currently incompetent to proceed with his case. However, there is a probability that he will attain competence or make progress toward that goal with an additional period of time.”
Muth will have an opportunity to prove his fitness for trial again in June; it will be his fourth mental health hearing since his August arrest.
Judge Russell Canan on Wednesday approved prosecutor’s requests to have their own expert conduct a mental health examination of Muth.
Muth’s next scheduled court appearance is June 21 at 10 a.m.
