Meningitis meddles in trial of former Marine

[unhappycamper]

Meningitis meddles in trial of former Marine
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 29, 2008 13:09:23 EST

KENNEWICK, Wash. — A murder charge against a former Marine charged with killing his mother’s abusive ex-boyfriend has been dropped a second time because of his mental problems after a bout with fungal meningitis.

Robert J.M. Talancon, 32, who was living in San Diego at the time of the killing, must return to Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake and face a civil commitment hearing in Spokane County within a month, Benton County Superior Court Judge Vic VanderSchoor ruled Wednesday.

~snip~

“It’s been a difficult and frustrating case for the state, but I don’t think I have any alternative,” Benton County Prosecutor Andrew K. Miller told the court.

Talancon was visiting his ill mother in the Tri-Cities when her former boyfriend, Darren C. Evans, 44, died of several blows to his head on Sept. 30, 2005. Evans’ body was found a couple of days later in a shed.

~snip~

After Talancon was jailed, he contracted fungal meningitis, which causes an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. The disease left him in a vegetative state in February 2006. The case was dismissed nearly a year ago but later was refiled, and under state law prosecutors could bring charges a third time if Talancon’s condition improves.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_formermarinemeningitis_022808/