April 23, 2024
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Trial for Ohio, Ill. murder case set for March 6; defendant’s mental fitness still under question

Defendant will not seek a 3rd mental evaluation

By Jayce Eustice
An Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigator officer walks the scene of an incident in the 200 block of E. Long Street on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022 in Ohio, Ill. A suspect is in custody and there is no longer a threat to the community, the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office told Ohio Community School District.

An Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigator officer walks the scene of an incident in the 200 block of E. Long Street on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022 in Ohio, Ill. A suspect is in custody and there is no longer a threat to the community, the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office told Ohio Community School District. (Scott Anderson - sanderson@shawmedia.com)

A jury trial is on track tentatively to begin on March 6 for the Ohio, Ill. murder case after parties met for a status hearing early Thursday morning.

Defendant Matthew J. Pairadee, 31, has undergone two mental evaluations to determine his mental fitness to stand trial after requesting to represent himself in the case.

Pairadee is facing four counts, including first-degree murder of Jerome Lauer, 69, and home invasion, that were returned by a Bureau County Grand Jury. He elected to enter a plea of not guilty and demanded a speedy trial by a jury.

Pairadee’s representative at Thursday’s hearing, Public Defender Brad Popurella, said Pairadee does not intend to seek a third mental evaluation, after reports another one may be requested.

Pairadee requested a recess to speak privately with Popurella and said he wanted to enter new evidence that would put an end to the trial before his fitness would be determined.

Judge James Andreoni said in the interest of maintaining Pairadee’s attorney and client privilege, he was unable to provide time for the two to speak on Thursday.

Andreoni also added no determination on the merits of the case would be considered until Pairadee’s mental fitness was determined.

Pairadee later said during Thursday’s hearing his case involves “terrorism” and he should be given “whistleblower protection.”

As the hearing ended, State’s Attorney Thomas Briddick and Popurella indicated to Andreoni both parties were moving forward with the date of March 6 as the beginning of a jury trial.

Pairadee has been held on $10 million bond since his capture after an eight-hour standoff with police that occurred Oct. 23 and 24 in Ohio.

He faces a minimum of 45 years and a maximum of natural life for the murder charges with a firearm enhancement. The home invasion, a Class X felony, will carry a minimum of 21 years and maximum of 45 years with a firearm enhancement.

If convicted on all charges, Pairadee would be required to serve his sentences consecutively.