Lynnelle blog

Jared Lee Loughner Coming to Southwest Mo. For Mental Evaluation

Fed Med," the U.S. Medical Center for FederalPrisoners in Springfield, Mo., will soon be home to one of the mostinfamous people in America., alleged shooter of Rep.Gabrielle Giffords, will undergo a psychiatric evaluation before April29.

The reports the judge presiding over the case inPhoenix agreed with prosecutors that Loughner's best chance for athorough evaluation from experts is in the federal facility.Defenselawyers argued against the move, but the judge agreed Loughner'sattorneys can see him in Springfield.

The (MCFP) is one of the topjails in the country for prisoners who need special medical needs. Known for their psychology internships and educational programs relatedto the Department of Justice, the MCFP is an ideal choice for Loughnershould he need expert care.

TheMCFP has beenon what was originally the outskirts ofSpringfield.Now it is located several miles southwest of downtownalong a major intersection in the city.At one time, the facility has1,200 inmates of varying levels of security.Around a third of thepopulation is part of the medical or surgical unit, another fourth arein need of mental assistance while the rest are generally lower-securitypatients who assist with the operations of the building.

TheFed Med has held many famous prisoners in recent U.S. history., the famous New York City crime boss, lived out his final days inSpringfield. when he died of cancer in 2002, Gotti had been inSpringfield for two years after being moved from a maximum securityprison in Illinois.

Theblind Egyptian , convicted of attempting to blowup several New York City , has spent much of his timein Springfield because he is unable to see. His medical needs are beingmet at the Fed Med as he is a special case.

Localnews stationLoughner will be in Springfield up to 30 dayswhile undergoing evaluation.The reason stems from difficulties intrying to determine Loughner's mental state.The defense has argued anoutside expert should examine Loughner in Tucson.Federal prosecutorsargue there are many more resources on hand in Springfield that can aidin determining the alleged shooter's sanity.

Springfieldwill be the media focus for the Arizona shooting case at least untilthe end of April, whether we want the attention or not.

WilliamBrowning, a lifelong Missouri resident, writes about local and stateissues for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Born in St. Louis, Browningearned his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Missouri.He currently resides in Branson.