New London child porn defendant ruled incompetent to stand trial
A New London man charged with possession of child pornography has been found incompetent to stand trial and was committed to Connecticut Valley Hospital for treatment.
David P. Gunn, 41, was arrested in December 2016 after police said they found numerous images of child pornography on his electronic devices. The investigation began when an employee of a New London pharmacy called to report that Gunn was printing images of child pornography on the pharmacy's photo copy machine.
Gunn, who has been held in lieu of $50,500 bond since is arrest, underwent an competency evaluation at Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Institution at the request of his attorney, M. Fred DeCaprio.
Vivian Carr, a licensed clinical social worker from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Service's office of forensic evaluations, testified at a competency hearing Monday in New London Superior Court that she and other members of the clinical team came to the unanimous opinion that Gunn was not capable of understanding the legal proceedings against him or assisting with his defense.
Gunn displayed a limited understanding of courtroom personnel and procedures and as the interview progressed, began to exhibit psychological symptoms, including hearing voices and an inability to maintain a discussion of his case, according to a report submitted to the court.
The clinical team agreed unanimously that he could likely be restored to competency with 60 days of treatment at CVH's Forensic Whiting Division. Judge Hillary B. Strackbein ordered Gunn committed for 60 days and continued the case to Aug. 7.
Gunn had been diagnosed with psychotic disorder, personality disorder and borderline intellectual function after a court-ordered evaluation in 2010, according to the report. Deemed incompetent to stand trial on charges of risk of injury to a minor and first-degree trespass, he was committed to Whiting and restored to competency after receiving medication and treatment.
Gunn had been arrested in 2010 after he sneaked into New London High School, took a shower and fled when confronted by school staff.
