Mental health evaluation ordered in double homicide

Aug. 02--BLOOMINGTON -- A 25-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing his parents in their home on Sunday will be examined by a psychiatrist to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial.

Brian Petersen appeared disoriented at a hearing on Monday, when his bond was set at $600,035 on four counts of murder in the death of his mother, Nancy Petersen, and his father, Bruce Petersen.

Nancy Petersen, 63, was stabbed three times in the chest as she sat in a chair in the couple's rural home west of Bloomington, according to a statement from McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers.

Bruce Petersen, 68, was stabbed in the back, but managed to call 911 and speak with officers, identifying his son as the alleged assailant, said Chambers. Bruce Petersen died Sunday afternoon at a Peoria hospital where he had been airlifted from Advocate BroMenn Medical Center.

Springfield psychiatrist Dr. Terry Killian was appointed to evaluate Brian Petersen, whose behavior during the bond hearing raised questions about his mental condition.

Three correctional officers monitored Petersen as he waved his arms and rocked in a chair, seemingly unable to control himself, or respond appropriately to questions from Associate Judge Bill Yoder.

During his arrest on Sunday, Petersen initially laid down on the ground as directed and was restrained by sheriff's deputies, but became aggressive as they attempted to transport him to jail, according to Sheriff Jon Sandage.

If he is deemed unfit to stand trial, Petersen will be sent to a state facility for treatment. The state will determine if or when he is restored to fitness, meaning he understands the charges against him and is able to assist with his defense.

Petersen lived with his parents in a home in the Lara Trace subdivision of wooded lots off of Illinois 9, west of Bloomington.

A 2009 graduate of Olympia High School, he attended Augustana College in Rock Island where he was a member of the cross country team. He attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville from August 2010 to December 2011, according to the university.

Most recently, Petersen worked at Linco Precision LLC in El Paso, but quit his job as a body shop painter last week. A staff member at the business declined to answer questions Tuesday about Petersen's employment.

He is due back in court on Aug. 12 for an arraignment.

Follow Edith Brady-Lunny on Twitter: @pg_blunny

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