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Judge orders inpatient treatment after KCPC evaluator finds Thurman not competent to proceed
Summary
After testimony from a Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center psychologist, the court found that the defendant lacked the capacity to understand or participate in proceedings and ordered inpatient mental‑health treatment with a statutory basis cited in the KCPC recommendation.
The Cumberland County Circuit Court heard forensic testimony about the mental condition of defendant Charles (Joshua) Thurman and ordered inpatient mental‑health treatment after receiving evaluations from the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center (KCPC).
Dr. Steven Anthony Sparks, a KCPC forensic psychologist, testified that he reviewed records, conducted psychological testing and video interviews, and found that Thurman met criteria for an unspecified psychotic disorder and stimulant‑related substance‑use disorders. "It's my opinion that mister Thurman, at the time I met with him, lacked the substantial capacity to appreciate the nature and consequences of the proceedings and also that he lacked the substantial capacity to participate rationally in his own defense," Dr. Sparks told the court.
Dr. Sparks said a subsequent KCPC report (by Dr. Terns) confirmed improvement with inpatient treatment but concluded Thurman remained not legally competent, and that restoration within the statutory period was unlikely. The KCPC recommendation urged inpatient care and continuity of psychiatric treatment and medication‑monitoring.
Citing the KCPC findings, the court entered an order that Thurman be sent for inpatient mental‑health treatment for a minimum of 30 days and not to exceed 365 days, to the appropriate facility and under applicable Kentucky law. The court also requested coordination for continuity of care and a referral to adult protective or social services on discharge if appropriate.
The judge directed counsel to coordinate transport and follow up, and the court reserved any further ruling on criminal responsibility until completion of the ordered treatment and further KCPC reports.
