Pen Pal

Transcribed from the notes and session recording of March 16 conducted by Dr. Patrick Templeman, forensic psychiatrist, with Michael Reece, currently awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder.

Dr. Templeman: Thank you for joining me today, Mr. Reece.

Michael Reece: It’s Doctor Reece. And you say that as if I had a choice in the matter. They brought me down here in handcuffs. Have you noticed the handcuffs?

Dr. Templeman: How are you feeling today?

Michael Reece: I wonder how many times you’ll say the word ‘today’ before you get to the point?

Dr. Templeman: As you’re aware, Mr. Reece, my objective is to determine your current mental capacity to stand trial, as ordered by the court.

Michael Reece: The court can kiss my ass, and so can you. And it’s Doctor Reece.

Dr. Templeman: Do you understand the charges brought against you?

Michael Reece: Let me tell you something. You’re not the only person in this room with a big degree. I’ve got three of them, all right? PhD, Masters, etcetera, all from Ivy League schools. Your medical degree doesn’t impress me.

Physician’s note: Patient is visibly agitated. Pronounced tremor of left hand is evident, possible side-effect of antipsychotic medication.

Dr. Templeman: You have been administered a daily dose of oral fluphenazine to alleviate your symptoms since your arrest, is that correct?

Michael Reece: Are you the best they could do? You look about as competent as that public defender they assigned me.

Dr. Templeman: How is your relationship with the attorney? Do you feel he’s adequately described the charges brought against you?

Michael Reece: That idiot couldn’t adequately describe the color of a turd. They let anyone pass the bar these days, apparently.

Dr. Templeman: Can you tell me what the charges against you are, please?

Michael Reece: Seriously?

Dr. Templeman: I’m trying to evaluate if you understand what’s happening to you.

Michael Reece: Yes, I understand what’s happening to me. I’m being held for something I did while in the grip of a psychotic break.

Dr. Templeman: We’re speaking of the murder of your estranged wife, Kayla, and Aidan Leighrite, is that correct?

Michael Reece: Jesus Christ. This is going to take forever.

Dr. Templeman: Do you recall the events of December thirty-first last year?

Michael Reece: I’m not an imbecile.

Dr. Templeman: I’ll take that as a yes. Will you please describe for me what you feel your current relationship with your attorney is like?

Michael Reece: unintelligible

Dr. Templeman: What do you think will happen if you’re convicted on the charges?

Michael Reece: I won’t be convicted. Someone like me shouldn’t be in prison.

Dr. Templeman: Someone like you?

Michael Reece: I’m a highly respected member of the community. My work is incredibly important. I’m not some rapist or drug dealer. Those people should be behind bars, not me.

Dr. Templeman: You don’t believe a double homicide is just cause for a prison sentence?

Michael Reece: I can’t be held responsible for that.

Dr. Templeman: Do you regret what happened?

Michael Reece: I regret that you’re wasting my time with this ridiculous line of questioning.

Physician’s note: Patient displays traits of narcissistic personality disorder.

Dr. Templeman: What do you understand regarding the stages of the proceedings in a capital murder case? Has that been adequately explained to you?

Michael Reece: I understand that if I’m determined to be incompetent, I won’t have to stand trial. Which I shouldn’t, because of who I am. Geniuses shouldn’t be on trial. Or in jail, for that matter. I have an IQ of over two hundred points, for Christ’s sake.

Dr. Templeman: Do you also understand that if you are found fit for trial, the fact that you committed murder while experiencing a psychotic episode will not reduce your sentence?

Michael Reece: What? No, that’s not true. I wasn’t in my right mind. What are you talking about?

Dr. Templeman: The issue is intent. You have a documented history of refusing to take antipsychotic medication even after being counseled that it could result in outbursts of violence. The prosecutor will introduce evidence that you were well aware of the possibility you could harm your wife. He will also introduce evidence that you were involved in a long-term affair with a coworker at the university. Sharon, I believe is her name? Or is it Karen? I’m sorry, I don’t have those notes in front of me. There’s also the matter of the life insurance policy you took out on your wife. Was she aware of that policy?

Michael Reece: Listen, I’ve had enough of this. I want…

Dr. Templeman: Yes? Go on.

Physician’s note: Patient is fixating on a spot on the wall and becoming unresponsive. He appears to be in extreme distress.

Dr. Templeman: Mr. Reece, are you unwell?

Michael Reece: Oh God. Oh my God!

Dr. Templeman: Mr. Reece?

Physician’s note: Patient is screaming. Attempts to exit the interview room. Pounds on the door in visible panic.

Dr. Templeman: Mr. Reece, what’s wrong? Tell me what’s happening.

Michael Reece: It’s her! It’s her and him both! Oh God! Let me out of here! Let me out of this fucking room!

Physician’s note: Patient appears to be experiencing psychosis-related visual disturbance.

Dr. Templeman: Mr. Reece, we’re alone in the room.

Michael Reece: She’s right fucking there, you fucking idiot! Look! Look!

Dr. Templeman: You’re suffering a hallucination. You and I are the only people in this room.

Physician’s note: Patient has crouched in the corner of the room and resumed screaming.

Dr Templeman: Mr. Reece, will you please calm down? I’ll have to call for you to be tranquilized if you can’t control yourself.

Michael Reece: (screaming) Stop saying that! Stop saying that! Stop saying that word!

Dr. Templeman: What word are you hearing, Michael? Is someone speaking to you? What are they saying?

Michael Reece: BOO!

Physician’s note: After being restrained by guards, patient received intramuscular injection of phenobarbital and was transferred to the psychiatric department for further evaluation.