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Man accused of attempting to stab Murphysboro officer fit to stand trial

by andrea hahn, the southern

Wednesday, August 10, 2005 6:48 AM CDT

MURPHYSBORO - Depression and bipolar disorder aside, Christopher Bastien, 20, of Murphysboro, will stand trial for attempted murder.

A fitness hearing for Bastien on Tuesday determined that he is competent to stand for trial. Bastien is accused of attempting to stab Murphysboro Police Officer Phil Royster on April 10.

Public Defender Patricia Gross had been granted some additional time for a more complete review of Bastien's mental condition. At a May 24 hearing, Gross told Judge Kimberly Dahlen Bastien was receiving treatment at Southern Illinois

Regional Social Services, and had recently been placed at Choate Mental Health Center. She said he had been diagnosed as bipolar and suffering from a depressive disorder.

At his first appearance in court, Bastien told Judge Charles Grace that he "didn't even remember" attacking Royster.

He said then that he had been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder and that he was taking Respitol and other psychotropic medications. He said he never had a fitness hearing during any of his several previous encounters with the law.

Bastien's mental evaluation for these charges led to the determination that he is fit for trial.

Royster was the first officer to respond to a disturbance reported at Bastien's residence in the 1500 block of Edith Street in Murphysboro.

Bastien reportedly had tried to stab family members. Royster, who was just minutes into his shift that day, found Bastien walking near his house with blood on his hands.

In an earlier interview, Royster said Bastien took a swing at him when he stopped him to ask about the disturbance.

During the scuffle, Royster said he saw Bastien had a knife in his hand, and appeared to be going for Royster's face and neck.

Royster said he drew his gun and put it under Bastien's chin. A Murphysboro citizen who lived nearby came to Royster's assistance by getting the knife away from Bastien and helping hold him until he was handcuffed.

Royster said the intervention probably saved Bastien's life.

Bastien is facing the Class X felony charge of attempted murder, which has a normal sentencing range of six to 30 years in prison. He is also charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated assault of a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.

Bastien has served time in the Illinois Department of Corrections for theft. He has appeared before the Jackson County Circuit Court a number of times since 2001. Most cases against him have been dismissed.

Bastien has a pre-trial hearing scheduled for Sept. 20 and a jury trial scheduled for Oct. 24.

He has been incarcerated at the Jackson County Jail since April 10 on a bond of $10,000. He will have to pay $1,000 to be released on bail.

andrea.hahn@thesouthern.com

618-529-5454 x15076