Court to hear motion on Loughner's commitment
Web Producer: Marissa Pasquet
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A federal appeals court will consider an emergency motion to keep the Tucson shooting rampage suspect from being sent back to a Missouri prison facility for more competency treatment.
Defense lawyers want the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse U.S. District Judge Larry Burns' ruling Wednesday that extended Jared Lee Loughner's commitment by another four months. Burns also rejected defense attorneys' requests to halt Loughner's forced medication with psychotropic drugs.
Lougher's lead attorney Judy Clarke says her client's transportation and commitment back to the Springfield facility could cause "irreparable harm" to him.
The appeals court gave prosecutors until Monday evening to respond to Clarke's motion.
Loughner has pleaded not guilty to 49 charges stemming from the Jan. 8 shooting that killed six and injured 13, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.