ST. HELEN, Ore. (KOIN) — The man accused of killing Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter is fit to stand trial, the court decided Tuesday.
The Columbia County Circuit Court said Daniel Armaugh Butts’ symptoms from schizophrenia have “greatly diminished” as a result of his current hospitalization and forced medication.
Butts was first sent to the Oregon State Hospital in 2013 after being found unable to aid and assist in his own defense. He was diagnosed schizophrenia shortly after.
Butts has remained in custody since Jan. 5, 2011 when detectives say he shot and killed Painter, who was responding to a car audio store. Police said Butts was attempting to take a car that didn’t belong to him.
He is charged with aggravated murder — which means he could face the death penalty if convicted.
The trial is set for Feb. 5th, 2019.
Chief Painter served the agency for 25 years and is survived by his wife and seven children.