Trial delayed in PSU shooting

The Associated Press Jillian Robbins, who has been held at the Norristown State Hospital since October, will remain committed through July, according to Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar. At that time, a Montgomery County judge will decide whether she should remain at the psychiatric hospital or return to Clinton County Prison to prepare for her murder trial. ''Whenever they feel she is well enough, she will be returned to jail,'' said Gricar, who plans to pursue the death sentence. ''As long as she is hospitalized, we have proceedings which would require her attendance. It can't go ahead without her.'' Penn State student Melanie Spalla, a 21-year-old journalism major from Altoona, was shot and killed in front of the Hetzel University Building September 17, 1996. Another student, Nicholas Mensah, was shot and wounded. Robbins was arrested at the scene of the shootings and later charged with first-degree murder. Police said Robbins admitted after her arrest that she had shot at five people before a student disarmed her. Friends have said she was depressed about her failed marriage, had attempted suicide and had spent time in a mental institution. Robbins' attorney, public defender Deborah Lux, declined to discuss the care her client was receiving at the hospital. A spokesperson for the Department of Public Welfare said Robbins was diagnosed with a mental illness and would get the appropriate care. Robbins was first sent to Norristown last fall after officials at Clinton County Prison where she was being held notified the court that she needed mental health care, Gricar said. Her original 90-day commitment was extended in January for an additional six months, he said. Gricar said Robbins' hospitalization had nothing do to with the criminal case and did not mean that she was incompetent at the time of the shooting. ''A person could be found to be competent and yet still need mental health services,'' he said. For now, Gricar said, the delay isn't affecting his preparation. ''It probably won't at all. I'm assuming she'll be released this summer and maybe have a trial in the fall,'' he said. ''But if this drags on -- and there's no telling how long it could -- I suppose it could be a problem.''