Further Fitness Evaluation Called for in Schmitt Case

Additional fitness evaluation has been agreed to in the criminal case of former Effingham resident Gary Schmitt.

The 56-year-old Schmitt is charged in Sangamon County with aggravated criminal sexual assault, two counts of aggravated battery, and a count of unlawful restraint after allegedly attacking a female at McFarland Mental Health Center in Springfield in September.

During a hearing Thursday, a hearing was scheduled for November 12 for further fitness evaluation for Schmitt.

Schmitt was found not guilty by reason of insanity after killing his father in Effingham and attacking a mother and daughter in Edgewood. He had petitioned last year to be released to a group home setting, a request that was denied by Effingham County Resident Circuit Judge Kimberly Koester. Schmitt's appeal of the judge's ruling was on file at the time of the most recent incident.

Schmitt had petitioned last year to be released to a group home setting