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Lawyer: Lyme Disease Afflicted Church Shooter

Man, 27, charged with murder in 'deteriorating' mental state

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 9, 2009 1:28 PM CDT

(Newser) – The 27-year-old man charged today with murder and aggravated battery in yesterday’s Illinois church shooting was suffering mentally and physically from Lyme disease, his attorney tells the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat. Terry Joe Sedlacek was ordered held without bail, though he’s still in the hospital recovering from self-inflicted knife wounds, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch adds.

Police haven’t discovered a link between Sedlacek and his victim, Rev. Fred Winters, who was delivering a sermon when Sedlacek shot him. Sedlacek cut himself with a knife as parishioners tackled him; the two who subdued him were both injured; one remains in the hospital.

Madison County Sheriff's Detective David Vucich, left, removes a computer from the residence of the suspect in the shooting yesterday in Troy, Ill.
Madison County Sheriff's Detective David Vucich, left, removes a computer from the residence of the suspect in the shooting yesterday in Troy, Ill.   (Belleville News-Democrat)
First Baptist Church of Maryville pastor Mark Jones addresses the media outside of the church yesterday.
First Baptist Church of Maryville pastor Mark Jones addresses the media outside of the church yesterday.   (Belleville News-Democrat)
In this 2001 file photo, Rev. Fred Winters is shown.
In this 2001 file photo, Rev. Fred Winters is shown.   (Belleville News-Democrat)
Detectives remove gun cases from the residence of the suspect in the shooting yesterday.
Detectives remove gun cases from the residence of the suspect in the shooting yesterday.   (Belleville News-Democrat)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Mad
Mar 10, 2009 2:48 AM CDT
OMG, Lyme doesn't cause homicidal rages, pul-ease! It has been reported to cause legions in the brain, mostly in the speech center. This man suffered far graver from mental illness than Lyme's. Sheesh.
nick
Mar 9, 2009 9:15 PM CDT
"Suffered"? He "suffered" from hatred!

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