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Alleged church shooter found unfit to stand trial

Terry Sedlacek has been ruled unfit to stand trial
Terry Sedlacek has been ruled unfit to stand trial

By Rachel Lippmann

Edwardsville, Ill – The man accused of fatally shooting the pastor at an Illinois church has been found unfit to stand trial.

Madison County Circuit Judge Richard Tognarelli signed an order Tuesday morning agreeing with the findings of a court-appointed psychologist that Terry Sedlacek's schizophrenia will make it impossible for Sedlacek to assist his attorneys in his defense, or follow courtroom proceedings.

Madison County public defender John Rekowski was satisfied with Tognarelli's ruling.

"Terry is a very sick individual," Rekowski said. "He is not totally in touch with all the things he needs to be in touch with and doesn't totally understand what's going on. I would point out the doctor examining him is not my doctor, it's the court's doctor. This isn't someone who works for me. This is an independent expert who came in."

Sedlacek is suspected of shooting Rev. Fred Winters, the pastor at the First Baptist Church of Maryville, during the pastor's Sunday sermon in March.

Sedlacek will be confined to a secure treatment facility in Illinois. The state Department of Human Services will have to evaluate Sedlacek within 30 days to determine if treatment will allow him to stand trial in a year.

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