SALT LAKE CITY -- A court-appointed forensic psychologist says the man charged in the 2002 kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart isn't faking a mental illness to avoid prosecution.
Dr. Richart DeMier testified Thursday in the ninth day of a hearing to determine if Brian David Mitchell is competent to stand trial for the 2002 abduction.
DeMier says he believes Mitchell suffers from a real mental illness -- paranoid schizophrenia -- can't make rational decisions and isn't competent to stand trial.
DeMier is a federal Bureau of Prisons psychologist testifying in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City.
Federal prosecutors contend Mitchell is competent and faking an illness to avoid prosecution.
The hearing is expected to end Friday.
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