RAINER, Ore. -- Seven years after being charged with murdering Rainier’s Police Chief, Daniel Butts has not gone to trial. Now, a Columbia County judge will decide whether Butts is mentally fit enough to help in his own defense.
Butts is accused of shooting Ralph Painter on January 5, 2011.
The chief was shot with his own gun as he confronted Butts who was allegedly trying to steal a hot rod car from a stereo shop.
Ever since the shooting, Butts' mental health has been an open question. There’s been testimony he has schizophrenia but also that he functions well when taking medication.
Tuesday, a psychologist for the state mental hospital, who examined Butts twice, said he was thinking clearly. For example, Butts had a logical argument about his defense.
“That he did not go there with a gun. He did not carry a gun to the place -- that he was only acting in reaction to having been pepper sprayed and then being physically attacked by the officer. So his statements are more of a legal argument, they’re not based in psychosis -- he's not delusional,” said Dr.Terri Fenadez-Tyson.
During a lunch break Butts' father blamed the shooting on the police chief and the state of Oregon.
"Blatant disregard for extensive safety protocol consequently cost the chief his life,” said Mikel Butts. He argues his son is not being treated fairly.
“Over seven years of my son’s prejudicial prosecution is owned by Oregon,” said Butts.
Ralph Painter’s brother, Alan, made a brief statement as well, saying his brother loved his job, wouldn't be happy the case has reached this point and would be frustrated with the legal system.
The violence rocked anyone with connections to the chief or the town.
“I was at my old job in Vancouver and hearing it over the radio was—and not knowing. Knowing the church was involved and that’s my family too,” said Myrt Wyatt who grew up in Rainier.
Next door to the old shooting scene, at the Rainier Assembly of God church, which caught bullets during the firefight after the chief's death, the pastor's daughter says the case has dragged on long enough.
“It’s too long. People need closure. It needs to be done,” said Maddy McCracken.
The hearing is expected to last through Friday.