Details of Jeffs' jail life emerge

Fundamentalist LDS Church leader Warren Jeffs has spent hours in his cell, on his knees, praying.

"There have been long periods where he has been observed kneeling and praying so much so that he developed ulcers on his knees," Dr. Eric Nielsen wrote in a mental competency evaluation released Tuesday. "There have been periods where he has spent several hours on his knees without adjusting his position. He also had been refusing food and liquid during this period."

A judge in St. George's 5th District Court released the confidential reports after finding the FLDS leader competent to stand trial on two counts of first-degree felony rape as an accomplice. He also unsealed a petition requesting the evaluation, expressing concern by Jeffs' lawyers about his mental state.

The evaluation diagnoses Jeffs as suffering from "Depressive Disorder, NOS (Not Otherwise Specified), which includes significant features of agitation and depression." At one point, Jeffs was on medication, but has since discontinued it.

Portions of the reports have been whited out, as 5th District Judge James Shumate promised he would. He revealed in court Friday that he ordered the evaluation after Jeffs appeared in court on March 27. During that appearance, Jeffs appeared skeletal and frail. He appeared to be dozing off and, at one point, drooled on himself.

"All three defense counsel believe that the defendant had great difficulty tracking with the proceedings, difficulty standing, and difficulty with his balance," defense attorney Walter Bugden Jr. wrote in a petition requesting the evaluation.

The next few paragraphs have been blanked out, but Bugden closed it by saying "the impairment and diminished mental capacity" deprived Jeffs of the ability to engage in his legal strategies and options, behave appropriately in court and perhaps testify.

A pair of doctors evaluated Jeffs at the Purgatory Correctional Facility, where he is being held without bail. The reports give glimpses into the life of the FLDS leader both in and out of jail.

style="border:1px solid #999999;"> Related content Petition for inquiry as to defendant's competency Report of a competence to proceed evaluation

"Mr. Jeffs lives in Hildale, UT, with his wife. He reported fathering children," Dr. Tim Kockler wrote in his evaluation.