A Connecticut judge has ruled that a woman is not competent to stand trial for allegedly setting a massive fire at a century-old vacant mill in Norwich that drew dozens of firefighters and led to concerns about asbestos exposure.
New London Superior Court Judge Patrick Clifford said Tuesday that 43-year-old Laura MacDonald, one of six people charged in the April fire, isn’t able to understand the proceedings and assist in her defense.
MacDonald was taken to a state psychiatric hospital for treatment, which could lead to her being “restored” to competency. She’s to return to court Dec. 7.
A clinical social worker testified that MacDonald has a major depression, borderline personality disorder and substance abuse problems.
No one was injured in the blaze.
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