Purdue choke attack defendant unfit for trial

Purdue University sophomore Boda Wu, 21, who's accused of randomly attacking fellow students on campus last year, isn't mentally healthy enough for trial, according to a Lafayette psychiatrist.

Dr. Richard Payne drafted a letter to Tippecanoe Circuit Court Judge Tom Busch summarizing Wu's symptoms and treatment since Nov. 17, when he was admitted to Sycamore Springs, a secure facility.

"Mr. Wu is responding to the medication that has been prescribed, but his insight and judgment continues to be impaired," Payne wrote, noting that Wu needs a program offering long-term residential care.

"At this time, due (to) his delusional thinking, I render this individual incompetent to stand trial in the legal matters that pertain to this court," Payne added.

Busch signed an order last month acknowledging that Sycamore Springs couldn't keep Wu "due to legal and monetary restraints" and that Tippecanoe County Jail isn't prepared to meet Wu's security and mental health needs.

Revoking bond and classifying Wu as "a substantial danger to others," Busch directed the Indiana Department of Correction to assume responsibilities for Wu's psychiatric care.

Matthew Stuckey, a criminal justice program administrator in the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Mental Health and Addiction, said Wu can't be received without opinions from two psychiatrists or psychologists declaring him incompetent, according to Busch's order.

Wu was evaluated late last month by Drs. Vern Little and Steven Berger, but their findings are confidential, according to court staff.

Wu was arrested Aug. 31 and charged with one misdemeanor and five felonies after allegedly wrapping a phone cord around a female student's neck without saying a word, pinning her to the ground until several bystanders pulled him off.

Purdue University Police Department reports indicate that Wu had randomly attacked another student, a stranger with the same last name, the day before near First and University streets.

"Why are you doing this?" the victim reportedly asked as Wu punched him.

"For everything," Wu responded.

"What is wrong with you?" the victim added.

"Everything," Wu said.

When a bystander pulled him away, Wu reportedly yelled at the victim, "Why don't you say it in Chinese?"

He then fled, flipping people off before running through Wiley and Earhart dining courts and eating off several plates, according to multiple witnesses cited in PUPD reports.

Defense attorney Brian Dekker notified the court in November that he intends to raise an insanity defense on Wu's behalf.