DuPont to undergo testing at HUP for brain damage

John du Pont, who is currently awaiting trial for the recent murder of an Olympic wrestler, will undergo extensive neurological testing this morning at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Du Pont, heir to a chemical industry fortune, will arrive early in the morning and remain at the hospital for the duration of the day, according to Lori Doyle, spokesperson for HUP. These tests, which will be executed by a team of five HUP neurologists, could provide information about du Pont's sanity, according to Neurology Professor Arthur Asbury. This data may be used in du Pont's trial if he chooses to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. Asbury said the tests are designed to reveal whether du Pont has any underlying brain damage which could cause "erratic behavior." "Du Pont will undergo detailed neuro-psychological testing for mental competence," Asbury said. "The tests will include an EEG, MR scan and a battery of other tests." Asbury explained that only medical testing will be done tomorrow, adding that psychiatric testing will take place at another time. "All we're looking for is evidence as to whether or not the brain works properly and is capable of thinking and understanding," he said. Late last month, former Olympic gold medalist Dave Schultz was found dead in his home on du Pont's estate in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Police arrested du Pont after a 48 hour siege, which began when the millionaire sought refuge in his mansion. He was charged with and arraigned for murder and illegal possession of weapons last week. Test results are expected by Friday's preliminary hearing for the murder, according to Doyle. While erratic behavior is not always associated with brain damage, Asbury said it is his understanding that there is a suspicion of trauma in this specific case. "These tests, therefore, are to rule out or rule in the possibility of insanity from a medical standpoint," he explained. Asbury said this type of testing is relatively routine in cases where there is even the slightest suspicion of brain damage. He added that violent behavior can be spurred by trauma such as seizure conditions, strokes or metabolic disorders. Excessive drug and alcohol use can also lead to brain damage. But Asbury went on to add that these tests can not determine an absolute reason for behavior. "All the team can determine through these tests is if there's an abnormality in the brain," he said. He added that the detection of a clinical abnormality is not necessarily a link to erratic behavior. Hospital security will be stepped up today, according to Don Snell, executive director of HUP. He added that the hospital security force will be working with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office to "ensure the safety of du Pont, as well as the safety of the patients and hospital staff."