Accused cop killer ordered to undergo psychiatric exam
Posted August 16, 2012 2:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The man charged with the murder of Toronto police Sgt. Ryan Russell has been ordered to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment to see if he’s fit to stand trial.
Richard Kachkar appeared in court on Thursday, during which the judge said he must have the assessment at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences in Whitby.
Kachkar was charged with first-degree murder after Russell, 35, was struck down near Avenue and Davenport roads on Jan. 12, 2011, while trying to stop a stolen snowplow.
Kachkar, who has put on a considerable amount of weight since he was arrested last year, kept his head down throughout his appearance.
He will appear in court next on Sept 14. His trial will begin Jan. 7, 2013.
Russell, who was promoted to the rank of sergeant only six months before his death, was the first Toronto officer to die in the line of duty since 1994, bringing the total number of officers to 36 since 1901.
He left behind his wife, Christine, and a young son, Nolan.
