Judge: Roselle man accused in peacock assault unfit for trial

A Roselle man accused of sexually abusing his pet peacock is mentally unfit to stand trial, a judge ruled Wednesday.

David Beckmann was found unfit at a hearing in front of DuPage County Judge Alex McGimpsey, who based the ruling on a psychological report for the 64-year-old military veteran.

Beckmann protested as sheriff's deputies took him into custody. He will be transferred to the Illinois Department of Human Services, which will treat him in a secure facility with a goal of restoring his fitness within a year.

Assistant State's Attorney Lee Roupas said a court-appointed psychiatrist recently interviewed Beckmann and found him unable to comprehend legal concepts, unresponsive to questions and in need of psychiatric care.

Beckmann has a "substantial history" of mental illness and experienced a manic episode while being interviewed by the doctor, prosecutors said.

Police arrested him at his Devon Avenue home in May on misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, battery and attempted indecent solicitation of a child. He is accused of molesting his pet peacock, Phyl, which was later found dead in his garage, and also accused of asking a teen boy to "feel him up."

Defense attorney Brian Telander has said Beckmann is a "highly decorated" Vietnam War veteran who performed more than 100 combat missions and whose history of psychiatric issues may be service-related.

The case is due back in court July 25.