Defense expert: Mental state of Franklin Regional rampage suspect has improved

June 22--The Murrysville teen accused in the Franklin Regional High School knife attack has improved with mental health treatment and should receive future care in the juvenile justice system, a defense psychologist testified today.

Psychologist Bruce Chambers testified that Alex Hribal had responded well to treatment at the Westmoreland County juvenile detention center, where he's been since his April 2014 arrest. Mr. Chambers said Alex's severe depression and paranoia has decreased, and with continued treatment he isn't likely to commit another crime.

But he said Alex should receive such treatment in a juvenile facility, not in an adult prison.

"Alex would not survive in that type of setting," he said of the latter.

The 17-year-old appeared publicly for the first time since September for a hearing to consider whether his case will be tried in juvenile court. His attorney, Patrick Thomassey, has argued that the case should be moved out of adult court because of Alex's age, lack of prior record and amenability to treatment.

If found responsible for the crimes in juvenile court, he could be confined and kept under the court's jurisdiction only until he is 21.

Charged as an adult with 21 counts each of attempted homicide and aggravated assault, he is accused of bringing two kitchen knives to the Murrysville school and stabbing or slashing as many people before the start of classes on April 9, 2014.

Victims of the attack, set to testify later for the prosecution, packed the courtroom, and a balcony was opened to accommodate more people.

Defense forensic psychiatrist Christine Martone said Alex has expressed remorse and has acknowledged that he had delusional thoughts before the attack.

Molly Born: mborn@post-gazette.com; Danielle Fox: dfox@post-gazette.com.

___

(c)2015 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.