NEW YORK
A judge has declared a former New York City police officer accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend unfit to stand trial.
The lawyer for Jerry Bowens says state Supreme Court Judge Matthew D'Emic ruled last week that his client was unfit to stand trial in the March killing of Bowens' girlfriend Catherine D'Onofrio and wounding D'Onofrio's best friend, Melissa Simmons.
Defense attorney Wayne Bodden says the 43-year-old will enter a psychiatric facility.
Bowens has said in a statement that he was trying to kill himself when he accidentally shot his girlfriend in the head. Simmons suffered graze wounds.
Bowens will be treated and re-examined from time to time. It's possible he eventually will be declared fit to face the charges.
D'Onofrio's mother, Jane, expressed disappointment in the ruling.
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Information from: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/05/13/2009-05-13_excops_ruled_unfit_to_stand_trial_for_murder.html
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