Judge wants another opinion on Ibeabuchi

Friday, Jan. 5, 2001 | 9:03 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Differing opinions as to the competency of a boxer accused of rape has led to the scheduling of a full-blown competency hearing in Reno.

District Judge Joseph Bona-venture scheduled the Feb. 8 hearing after learning that doctors still can't agree as to whether Ike Ibeabuchi understands the nature of the charges against him and can help in his defense.

Dr. Thomas Bittker examined Ibeabuchi in April and told the court that the boxer doesn't grasp the link between behavior and consequences.

On Thursday, defense lawyer Richard Wright said eight psychologists and psychiatrists have examined the 28-year-old fighter since his arrest. Six called him unfit for trial, one found him competent and one termed Ibeabuchi "marginally competent," the lawyer said.

Ibeabuchi has been hospitalized at a state mental health facility in Sparks for several months as doctors worked to help him regain his competency.

According to police, Ibeabuchi lured a 21-year-old outcall service employee to his motel room in July 1999, but wouldn't pay the $150 fee for an erotic dance. He then allegedly began to sexually assault her, stopping when her screams drew the attention of a hotel security guard.

If Bonaventure decides Ibeabuchi is still incompetent, prosecutors will ask him to force Ibeabuchi to take medication that will aid in the process.

State doctors said in September that if Ibeabuchi is medicated, he could be made competent for trial.

Wright said the unspecified anti-psychotic medications the state wants to administer could cause motor-skill problems that would harm Ibeabuchi's boxing career.