OSAKA -- One of the three psychiatrists conducting a psychological assessment of Mamoru Takuma, the man suspected of killing eight children in a June 8 stabbing spree at a school in Osaka Prefecture, has suggested that Takuma was mentally competent when he allegedly committed the crime, Takuma's lawyer said Friday.
Takuma, 37, said the doctor told him that the assessment interviews were finished, according to attorney Shigeki Todani. The suspect also said the doctor had earlier said that a trial may take place, indicating that Takuma is mentally fit to stand trial, the lawyer said.
The lawyer met Takuma Friday at the Osaka Detention House where he has been detained.