07/18/2003

Associated Press

EVERETT, Wash. - A young murder defendant has been returned to a mental institution for drug therapy in an effort to make him competent to stand trial.

The medication may be administered to Todd Lee Brodahl, 19, of Marysville, against his will if her resists, Snohomish County Superior Court Judge David F. Hulbert ruled Thursday.

Hulbert issued his order after two Western State Hospital therapists testified that Brodahl is not competent to stand trial on a charge of second-degree murder in the beating and stabbing of Brady Michael Sheary, 18, of Marysville.

Sheary was stabbed in the chest and bashed in the head with a rock, apparently during a fight, before his body was found early on the morning of April 23, 2002, at Cedarcrest School in Marysville, investigators wrote in court documents.

Medication has resulted in some progress with Brodahl, indicating further treatment could restore him to competence, the therapists testified.

Arguing against further medication, defense lawyer Natalie Tarantino said Brodahl has a mental illness that probably has been worsened by methamphetamine use, adding that there was no assurance the treatment would improve his condition.

Steven Marquez, a clinical psychologist from the state's largest mental institution, agreed that Brodahl is mentally ill. The defendant talks very little but has indicated he doesn't want more drug therapy, Marquez added.