PFC Lawrence was moved to a mental health facility for treatment yesterday evening. See the latest AP Story: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jCP4Ygk_RBW_r5FGsjAlnqmOPapw?docId=e9530b65a6a14910a4729e3b83006726
While you are at it, read about the death of the chaplain that sent this young man into a downward spiral: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-chaplain-20101202,0,1891421.story?page=1
So yes, believe that the voices and mental illness are real.
Another update, this looks encouraging in terms of holding the Army back until PFC Lawrence’s status is medically established.
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An Army panel is working to determine whether Lawrence is sane enough to stand trial.
In military court, a defendant can be found innocent if it is determined mental illness left him “unable to appreciate the nature and quality or wrongfulness” of a crime.
Also, under court-martial rules, a defendant may not stand trial if they aren’t competent to understand what’s happening in the courtroom or participate in their own defense.
Culp argued during the hearing that Lawrence, who frequently fell asleep at the defense desk, didn’t understand the proceeding.
He said Friday that it’s doubtful the evaluation of Lawrence will be finished by a Dec. 10 deadline set by the Army, which could delay further proceedings.
If the mental evaluation takes more time, it could be weeks before a Fort Carson general decides whether Lawrence will stand trial.
http://www.gazette.com/articles/soldier-109010-carson-charged.html