FARMINGTON -- Even though Jeremy Jacob Hauck is being forced to take medication, it may not be enough to restore his mental competency, his attorney said.
Hauck, now 22, is at Utah State Hospital, where he has been since January 2008. He was not present for Monday's hearing in 2nd District Court. He is charged with first-degree murder in the 2006 death of his mother, Laura Hauck.
Police found the 51-year-old woman's body inside a freezer Aug. 7, 2006. Police entered her condominium following a phone call from relatives, who were concerned about her welfare.
Police said Jeremy Hauck, who was 18 at the time, shot his mother twice, then slit her throat before hiding her in the freezer. He was arrested Aug. 9, 2006, in Missoula, Mont.
Hospital officials sent a letter to attorneys saying they need more time to work with Hauck, said his attorney, Todd Utzinger.
In the letter, doctors wrote, "There is a reasonable probability that (Hauck) could be restored to mental competency to stand trial," Utzinger said.
But Utzinger said in court that if doctors are unable to restore his client's mental competency through medication within six months, the state needs to re-evaluate its ongoing commitment to keeping Hauck at the hospital.
"They will need to consider maybe a civil commitment or something else," Utzinger said.
Hauck was diagnosed with a schizophrenic disorder, an autism disorder and a delusional disorder, attorneys said.
Another court hearing is set for Dec. 19.
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