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Maine Judge Hears Arguments in Forced Medication Case

AUGUSTA, Maine — A Maine judge will make a decision about the state's request that a man accused of killing his father be involuntarily medicated to restore his competency to stand trial.

The request was the subject of a hearing at the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta on Wednesday. Prosecutors want Leroy Smith III to take medication in hopes he can become competent to stand trial.

WGME-TV reports the judge heard arguments from both sides Wednesday, requested written proposals and will offer a written decision in the future.

Smith, of Gardiner, is charged in the 2014 killing of Leroy Smith Jr. inside an apartment they shared.

Smith was declared incompetent to stand trial after he was diagnosed with acute delusional thinking. His attorney, Scott Hess, has opposed the state's request for forcible medication.