Pastor's accused killer deemed unfit for trial

[October 21, 2009]  EDWARDSVILLE (AP) -- A judge says a man accused of gunning down a pastor during his sermon in a southwestern Illinois church is mentally unfit to stand trial.

Madison County Circuit Judge Richard Tognarelli made the ruling Tuesday after receiving a court-ordered psychiatric examination of Terry Sedlacek (SEHD'-lak).

Prosecutors and public defenders agreed that psychologist Robert Heilbronner would testify that Sedlacek is a schizophrenic who likely won't give his attorneys accurate information or understand the legal process.

Authorities allege Sedlacek killed the Rev. Fred Winters on March 8 inside the First Baptist Church of Maryville.

Tognarelli has remanded Sedlacek to the custody of the state Department of Human Services for treatment.

[Associated Press]

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