Man Charged in Law School Killings
Ruled Fit to Stand Trial
By CHRIS KAHN
Associated Press Writer
September 5, 2003
GRUNDY, Va. -- A judge ruled Friday that a failed student at the Appalachian
School of Law is mentally competent to stand trial on capital murder charges for
shooting his former dean, a professor and another student.
Peter Odighizuwa, 45, who has been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, has
become less guarded and more affable in the 19 months since he was arrested,
psychologist Greg Wolber wrote in a letter to the court.
Wolber, who met with Odighizuwa four times this year, said Odighizuwa has been
suspicious in the past of the CIA, the FBI and his attorneys, believing there is
some sort of conspiracy against him.
While he remains concerned about the federal government, Wolber said Odighizuwa
no longer thinks his lawyers are involved with the FBI. He has been prescribed
drugs for depression and schizophrenia.
"He is competent to stand trial," Wolber told Buchanan County General
District Judge Fred Combs in court. He said Odighizuwa should remain on his
medication leading up to his trial.
"To not do so could jeopardize his competence," Wolber wrote in his
letter.
Combs set a preliminary hearing date Sept. 26.
Odighizuwa was expelled from the 170-student law school in this southwestern
Virginia coal town after flunking out twice. Shortly after his dismissal, police
say he returned to school and opened fire with a handgun.
Dean L. Anthony Sutin, Professor Thomas Blackwell and student Angela Dales were
killed, and three other students were wounded in the Jan. 16, 2002, rampage that
ended when fellow students tackled Odighizuwa.
Odighizuwa is charged with three counts of capital murder, three counts of
attempted capital murder, and six weapons charges.
Prosecutor Sheila Tolliver has said she will seek the death penalty.
In court Friday, Odighizuwa sat quietly between his lawyers, his legs and arms
unshackled, staring at the table in front of him while Wolber discussed his
mental state.
In past hearings, Odighizuwa has been prone to rants about the federal
government and pleas to the judge for medical help. This time, he said little
when Combs asked him if he had any thoughts.
"No, your honor," Odighizuwa said.
Blackwell's wife and defense lawyers would not comment after the hearing.
Tolliver said she thinks Odighizuwa's mental state will continue to be an issue
throughout his court proceedings.
