ALFRED, Maine — An Old Orchard Beach man charged with beating and stabbing his grandmother to death in the home they shared, then setting it on fire, has been sent by a judge to a state psychiatric hospital for a 60-day evaluation.
The York County Superior Court judge issued the order to send 25-year-old Derek Poulin to Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta on Thursday after a closed-door discussion with prosecutors and defense lawyers.
Authorities say Poulin killed 61-year-old Patricia Noel in October 2012. Noel described in letters and in conversations with relatives that Poulin had "gotten physical" with her.
Poulin's attorney, Amy Fairfield, tells the Portland Press Herald her client is struggling with mental health issues.
After the evaluation, the judge will determine whether Poulin is competent to stand trial.