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Judge orders second forensic evaluation after defendant testifies about interplanetary ‘portals’
Summary
A judge ordered a second, state-funded forensic evaluation for William Scott Burns to determine whether longstanding delusional beliefs about intergalactic travel impair his ability to assist counsel; the court set a June status date.
A Humphreys County judge ordered a second forensic competency evaluation at the state’s expense after hearing testimony that a defendant, William Scott Burns, describes traveling to other galaxies through “portals.” The court said the new evaluation must address whether Burns’s persistent beliefs interfere with his ability to assist counsel and stand trial.
The new evaluation follows testimony at a competency hearing in which Burns described “portals” and trips to other galaxies and said he works on space-shuttle technology and artificial-intelligence systems. Burns’s brother, James Burns, and his mother, Jennifer Burns, told the court they have observed the defendant expressing similar beliefs for years and that the beliefs intensified in the last seven to 10 years.
The judge said the initial forensic report found Burns competent but that the family’s testimony and Burns’s statements at the hearing warranted a more focused evaluation. “I’m going to order that a second evaluation take place,” the judge said on the record, directing the new examination to consider the content and persistence of Burns’s claims and whether they constitute malingering or a true psychiatric disorder. The court set a status date for June 17 to review the second evaluation’s results.
Why it matters: A competency determination affects whether a criminal case proceeds to trial. If the evaluator finds Burns cannot understand the proceedings or assist his lawyer, the court may order treatment before any trial. If the evaluator concludes he is competent, the case will move forward on its current schedule.
What the hearing showed: Burns spoke at length about “portals,” “equivalent matter” and travel to named star systems, language the judge and attorneys called unusual. Defense counsel, Mr. Lockhart, told the court he was concerned Burns’s beliefs prevent effective consultation and preparation: “I just don’t believe at this point that he’s competent to assist me,” Lockhart said. The state told the court it would not oppose a second examination and noted a prior evaluation had found Burns competent.
Family testimony: Burns’s brother said the beliefs had escalated in the past decade and that family members had tried to help him obtain care. His mother said Burns has been diagnosed in the past with serious mental-health conditions and that his behavior has become more concerning in recent years.
Court orders and next steps: The judge ordered a second forensic evaluation focused on the themes raised in testimony (the portal/galaxy claims and related symptoms), directed that the state bear the evaluation cost, and scheduled a June 17 status hearing to review results. The court asked defense counsel to file a signed order promptly so the evaluator can begin work.
Ending: The second evaluation will determine whether Burns will proceed to trial on the pending charges or whether the court must take other steps before trial.
