Unable to stand trial, Federal Way man accused of killing mother is committed to mental hospital
By JACINDA HOWARD
Federal Way Mirror Reporter
September 16, 2010 · Updated 8:13 PM
A Federal Way man accused of shooting and killing his elderly mother in April has been found incompetent to stand trial for the crime.
Instead, Jerry W. Thompson, 66, has been committed to Western State Hospital for up to three months. He underwent a competency evaluation at the hospital after he was charged with first-degree murder of his live-in mother, Alberta J. Thompson, 88.
King County Superior Court Judge Ronald Kessler reviewed the evaluation and ruled that Thompson was incompetent to stand trial. Thompson was ordered further treatment and evaluation. Kessler ruled Thompson may be required to take psychotropic medications, against his will, if necessary.
Thompson and his mother lived in a home in Federal Way. He acted as her caregiver for more than 20 years. Thompson was frustrated and worried about his mother’s declining health and how he could continue to care for her, according to charging papers.
Thompson will receive treatment at Western State Hospital in Lakewood, then get re-evaluated for competency to stand trial.
Thompson will appear Dec. 13 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent for a hearing.
Contact Federal Way Mirror Reporter Jacinda Howard at jhoward@fedwaymirror.com or (253) 925-5565 ext. 5052.Comment on this story.
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