Judge orders suspect in Franklin Regional stabbing rampage to psych hospital

Sept. 26--A Westmoreland County judge has approved moving a 16-year-old boy charged in a stabbing rampage at Franklin Regional High School to a psychiatric hospital.

Common Pleas Judge Christopher Feliciani ruled that Alex Hribal would go to Southwood Psychiatric Hospital in Upper St. Clair after a medical clearance at the county's juvenile detention center, where he has been held since the April 9 attack at the Murrysville school.

An evaluation will be done at Southwood to determine what kind of treatment is necessary, the judge said.

Earlier in the day, Judge Feliciani heard arguments and testimony to determine if Alex should be moved.

Psychologists for the defense testified that Alex intended to end his own life the day of the stabbing rampage, an act inspired by the Columbine attacks that followed years of alienation and depression.

Alex is accused of stabbing or slashing 20 students and a security guard in a first-floor hallway before the start of classes.

Forensic psychologists for the defense who evaluated the teen found that he suffers from mental illness, including depression, and has characteristics of schizophrenia.

Psychiatrist Christine Martone testified today that if Alex were an adult, she would recommend a transfer to Torrance State Hospital.

But Bruce Wright, a psychiatrist for the prosecution, told Judge Feliciani that he would recommend psychotherapy but not placement in a mental health facility.

Defense attorney Patrick Thomassey suggested the teen move to a secure residential facility in Derry for such treatment.

Judge Feliciani conferred with both teams this afternoon to determine what facility would be most appropriate.

Defense psychiatrist Bruce Chambers testified today that Alex had been planning the attack since October, intending to carry it out on April 20 -- the day of the 1999 attacks at Columbine High School in Colorado that killed 12 students and one teacher and injured 21 others.

But since school was not in session that day, he instead brought two 8-inch kitchen knives to the school on April 9, the birthday of Eric Harris, one of the two Columbine killers, according to Mr. Chambers.

Mr. Chambers said Alex described an "affinity" with Columbine killers Harris and Dylan Klebold, and had planned his own attack with the thought that he also would die that day.

"He had no concept of life after that," Mr. Chambers testified. "He was surprised he was alive."

Mr. Chambers testified that the teen wanted to send a message to bullies and hypocrites.

"He felt that this was his way of making a statement to the world that people shouldn't be treated that way," Mr. Chambers said.

Dr. Martone told the judge that Alex felt "as if he was on the mission."

Alex, who has not appeared publicly since April 9, attended the hearing wearing a white dress shirt and red tie. When asked by a reporter earlier if he was sorry about what happened, he said "yes."

He is charged as an adult with 21 counts each of attempted homicide and aggravated assault and a count of having a weapon on school property.

Mr. Thomassey has said he will attempt to move the case to juvenile court, meaning the teen could only be confined and under the court's jurisdiction until he is 21.

Molly Born: mborn@post-gazette.com.

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