Watch CBS News

Trial Delayed In Slaying Of Mental Patient

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) -- The trial for a man accused of killing a fellow patient at a state mental hospital has been postponed after the defendant became ill.

Jury selection was to begin Monday in Howard County Circuit Court for the trial of El Soundani El-Wahhabi, also known as Saladin Taylor. He is charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of Susan Sachs, 45, at Clifton T. Perkins State hospital in Jessup last year.

A spokesman for the Howard County state's attorney's office says prosecutors were told El-Wahhabi, 51, had been taken to a hospital, but the nature of his illness was not disclosed.

The spokesman says the trial will start Tuesday if El-Wahhabi is well enough.

Court documents state video shows El-Wahhabi entering Sach's room not long before their bed check.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.