Psychiatrist: Haq was psychotic before shooting

SEATTLE, Washington – A combination of psychosis and mania caused Naveed Haq’s mind to focus squarely on the “mission” God had commanded him to embark upon, said Dr. James Missett Tuesday, his fifth day on the witness stand, before finally wrapping up his direct examination. The statements Haq made to 911 operators speaks volumes about his mental state at the time, Missett said, and Haq stays on topic – “I’m making a point!” – but fumbles when trying to make broader arguments on what that point actually is.

“He’s somewhere else,” said Missett, “and you can’t tell from the 911 tape where that somewhere is.”

Haq is charged with murder, attempted murder,  kidnapping and malicious harrassment for killing one and wounding five others in a shooting July 28, 2006 at the Jewish Federation headquarters in Seattle. He is mounting an insanity defense.

The psychosis and mania, opined Missett, were brought on by a combination of life pressures, lack of sleep, and inappropriate and mismanaged medications. The psychiatrist stated that in his opinion, the result was that Haq could not distinguish right from wrong, and that he indeed was insane at the time at the time of the shooting. He also made it clear he does find a substantial risk of future violent behavior, and would like to see Haq spend his life in a “secure state mental hospital.”

Missett's testimony continues today.

–In Session staff