Kapsa Competency Hearing

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By Nick Lough

BILLINGS - A Yellowstone County judge heard testimony Tuesday on whether a Ballantine dog breeder is mentally fit to stand trial for animal cruelty, but it could be several weeks before she makes a decision.

After hearing arguments from both sides Judge Susan Watters took the matter under advisement. A psychologist hired by the defense believes Kapsa suffers from a personality disorder, is extremely depressed and says Kapsa believes she has mystical powers.

"She is regressed, depressed, and suffering from personality disorder traits that compromise here ability to the realities of the outside world," said Dr. Michael Butz.

Butz says with proper care and medication Kapsa could be fit for trial in two months but isn't ready yet. The state's psychologist, Dr. William Stratford, disagrees and argues Kapsa is mentally fit to stand trial right now.

"I have no idea what evidence he's looking at for her not to be competent to stand trial. Three out of 4 of those tests [he gave her] were in the normal range," said Stratford.

The state expects Judge Watters to make a ruling before Kapsa's trial begins in two weeks. Kapsa has previously plead not guilty to two counts of animal cruelty.

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