Murder Attempt Antidepressants & Abilify 09/06/2009 California Son Shoots Mother Summary:

Headlines read:  "Items seized at crime scene include firearm, antidepressants."
Last paragraph reads:  "Emerson declined to comment about a list that detailed items seized from the crime scene by sheriff's investigators. A court document listed those items as a firearm, two expended shell casings, a binder with diary writings, a bottle of Abilify, a prescription medication used to treat depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; four other bottles of prescription medication and emergency room discharge paperwork."

SSRI Stories note:  Abilify is being widely advertised as an "add-on" to an antidepressant to help alleviate symptoms of depression. 

        http://www.northcountytimes.com/articles/2009/06/09/news/coastal/vista/zad125828be674949882575d0006502d2.txt
VISTA: Court hearing in Grigsby case pushed back

 
Items seized at crime scene include firearm, antidepressants
By CHRIS NICHOLS - cnichols@nctimes.com | Tuesday, June 9, 2009 9:08 PM PDT

VISTA ---- A court hearing in the attempted murder case against Reginald "Reggie" Grigsby Jr., who is accused of trying to kill his mother at his parents' Fallbrook home, was pushed back Tuesday until next month.

Defense counsel Gregory Emerson said there are "a lot of factors" for attorneys to consider before proceeding, including the Grigsby family's input on whether to lessen charges against their son.

Grigsby Jr., a former San Diego State University football player who was working as a football coach at Carlsbad's Army and Navy Academy, faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted.

"It's obviously a tragic situation," Emerson said outside a courtroom at the Vista Courthouse, before the hearing was continued. "I think above all they're a family that wants to heal."

Grigsby Jr.'s father, veteran Oceanside police Capt. Reginald Grigsby, shot his son May 23 to stop the attack, sheriff's officials have said. The younger Grigsby was treated for his wound and later booked at the Vista jail.

Wearing a blue jail jumpsuit, Grigsby Jr. was led by bailiffs to a holding area inside the courtroom as attorneys discussed delaying the hearing. He looked to the room's public gallery as several family members strained to view him from their seats.

Grigsby Jr. remained at the Vista jail Tuesday in lieu of $1 million bail.

Prosecutor Brenda Daly, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, suggested late last month that Grigsby Jr. ultimately may face lesser charges after prosecutors work with his defense attorney and consider his parents' wishes.

Also last month, Daly said it was still "very unclear" why Grigsby Jr. argued with and allegedly tried to kill his mother. The prosecutor confirmed that Grigsby's family reported he had a history of mental problems, but she would not specify the problems, and she said it is not clear if they played a role.

Desirah Grigsby, the suspect's mother, declined comment outside the courtroom Tuesday. Unlike during a previous court hearing, she was not wearing dark sunglasses and had no visible injuries.

"I know she cares deeply for her son and loves her son," Emerson, the defense attorney said. "As a mom, she wants to put her family together and take care of her son."

There is no timetable for Capt. Grigsby's return to the Oceanside Police Department, a police spokeswoman said. He remains on paid administrative leave from the department.

The shooting is still being investigated by the Sheriff's Department and Oceanside police.

Tuesday's readiness conference was pushed back to July 21. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Aug. 4.

Emerson declined to comment about a list that detailed items seized from the crime scene by sheriff's investigators. A court document listed those items as a firearm, two expended shell casings, a binder with diary writings, a bottle of Abilify, a prescription medication used to treat depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; four other bottles of prescription medication and emergency room discharge paperwork.

Call staff writer Chris Nichols at 760-740-5426.