ALFRED — An Old Orchard Beach man accused of murdering his grandmother has been declared mentally competent to stand trial.
The trial for Derek Poulin was originally scheduled to begin Wednesday, but was delayed for a competen
-cy hearing.
Poulin, 26, faces charges of arson and intentional, knowing or depraved indifference murder.
He was arrested in October of 2012 in relation to the death of his 61-year-old grandmother, Patricia Noel. Noel was found dead in her home at 44 Wesley Ave. in Old Orchard Beach by firefighters who responded to a fire at the home the afternoon of Oct. 23, 2012. Poulin and his father lived with Noel, and neither man was at the home when firefighters arrived.
Defense attorney Amy Fairfield said Poulin has struggled with mental illness and was committed to a state psychiatric hospital last year for an evaluation, according to The Associated Press.
On Wednesday, Justice John O’Neil asked Fairfield if she felt Poulin was competent to stand trial.
“I don’t have concerns about his competency,” she said. She said Poulin was communicating with her well and asking appropriate questions.
Psychiatrist Joseph Wojcik said he had done an analysis on Poulin at York County Jail Monday, and had met with him briefly that morning.
Wojcik said after reviewing the components of the judicial process with Poulin, he believes Poulin understands the procedure. He said Poulin finds it stressful when he hears negative information. He said Poulin was argumentative Monday, but Wednesday he was clear about what he was going to undergo during the trial. He said Poulin is aware that, if found guilty, he could face a jail sentence of 25 years to life.
“I think he’s very clearly aware he’s facing significant charges,” said Wojcik.
O’Neil said based on mental health reports on Poulin, Poulin’s ability to process information fluctuates and is “a moving target.”
“I think as of right now, Mr. Poulin is competent to stand trial,” said O’Neil. He said in the future, if necessary, Poulin’s competency can be reevaluated.
Opening statements for the trial were scheduled to begin this morning.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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