Shooting suspect sent for mental testing

Kim Smith

Monday, April 24, 2000 | 11:41 a.m.

The suspect in February's fatal shooting at the Stardust hotel-casino has been sent to a state psychiatric hospital for evaluation.

District Judge Donald Mosley decided to send Anthony Cuccia, 59, to Lake's Crossing near Sparks after learning that Cuccia had again refused to meet with doctors at the Clark County Detention Center.

Cuccia told Mosley Friday he didn't see the sense in talking to a doctor who doesn't understand how the mob works.

There has been no indication from police that the Feb. 7 death of Philip M. Greenspan, 56, was related to organized crime.

Witnesses told police that Cuccia shot Greenspan at point-blank range inside the Strip resort's sports book. Police have discovered the men once lived in the same New York City borough, but they have found no motive for the shooting.

Cuccia has repeatedly interrupted court proceedings and in the past was declared incompetent to stand trial in a federal criminal case.

Last month Mosley gave Cuccia the choice of granting an interview to a psychologist or going to the mental health facility. Cuccia agreed to speak with the psychologist, although he maintained he is competent.

When Mosley announced his decision to send him to the facility, Cuccia protested loudly, asking, "Don't I have a right to a hearing or anything?"

Mosley scheduled a status hearing for July 19.

Kim Smith covers courts for the Sun. She can be reached at (702) 259-2321 or by e-mail at kimberly@lasvegassun.com.