Murder suspect found incompetent for trial

Published: Thursday, July 2, 2009 3:13 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

A man charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his friend 51 times because he heard voices in his head has once again been found mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Phillip Joseph Simmons, 37, has been receiving treatment at the Utah State Hospital. He currently is charged with murder, a first-degree felony, for the Jan. 20, 2008 stabbing death of Suzanne Fry, 57, in her Bountiful apartment. Fry had apparently permitted Simmons to stay at her apartment out of friendship. Police said the two quarreled about food and Simmons repeatedly stabbed Fry with a steak knife.

Neighbors called 911 after hearing noises coming from the apartment and police found Fry dead. Simmons told police that during the argument the word "murder" came into his mind, he blacked out and when he awoke later, Fry was on the floor in a pool of blood. Police also found considerable damage to the residence including holes punched in walls, an overturned china hutch and broken mirrors and windows.

Simmons previously was found incompetent for trial, and on June 30 the state hospital provided a letter to 2nd District Judge Rodney Page saying Simmons remains mentally incompetent.

The judge has set Dec. 1 for a review of Simmons' condition.

— Linda Thomson

Recent comments

They would put this man in a locked up mental hospital not on the...

Liberal Larry is confused: | July 2, 2009 at 4:29 p.m.

All the murderers and rapists are mental therefore we should free...

Liberal Larry | July 2, 2009 at 3:34 p.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

So "About Time", while I feel for your health challenges and realize it is...

Market and skill dictates salary. Are the rich people making you poorer?...

you can down talk Wynn's performance because it was against an 0-8 team but...

Letters: Vegas should conserve

Really, the question is about economics and freedom. Forced conservation is...

2A: Broncos stampede South Sevier

Will the real PAPER TIGER plaase stand up!!! South Sevier was the real PAPER...

Away in a manger

My grandma had nearly 30 incredibly unique sets from around the world.She...

The country is already divided. Talk Radio didn't do it. There will always...

I competely understand the votes of bishop and Chaffetz, they are...

And this is how Democracy goes down? With thunderous applause?

Demos' losses could rise

If Dems can achieve three key objectives in the coming year, Dems will keep...

Advertisements
Advertisement