An Aberdeen woman charged with second-degree murder will undergo competency restoration for a second time after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity in December.
Leah Dawn Thompson, 46, allegedly stabbed 63-year-old Harold Crabtree to death at the home they shared in the 1400 block of Cherry Street in Aberdeen on April 26, 2014, before calling 911 and telling dispatch she “took a man down in my house.”
When officers arrived, they found blood on Thompson’s hands, feet and clothing. She told police she had killed Crabtree because he was running around with a “Hitler flag” in the house. Thompson was sent to Western State Hospital in Lakewood for competency restoration in August but has been ordered to undergo restoration a second time after a forensic psychological report again found her unfit to defend herself.
When undergoing restoration, defendants undergo therapy and are prescribed psychotropic medications depending on their specific needs in order to become ready to appear in court.
During the most recent psychological evaluation, Thompson referred to herself as being clairvoyant and a British astronaut, and has told Western State Hospital staff she was a NATO diplomat in the past. Her defense attorney, Erik Kupka, also reported receiving “delusional” voicemails from Thompson.
Thompson has been diagnosed as schizophrenic and bipolar and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in December. County Attorney Katie Svoboda said if Thompson continues to not benefit from restoration, the state could choose to have her civilly committed.
During Monday’s Pre-trial hearing, Thompson spoke in a whisper while relaying concerns to Judge Stephen E. Brown about how her current psychiatric medication is working.
Another court hearing will be held in June after Thompson has once against finished the restoration program.
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