HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — The man accused of shooting and killing his UNC professor has been deemed unfit to stand trial, a judge ruled on Monday.
Mental health experts found Tailei Qi has severe mental health issues.
Dr. George Corvin, for the defense, said Qi has delusional thinking and untreated psychosis.
Dr. Nicole Wolfe, with the state, had similar findings saying the defendant has severe mental illness, most likely related to schizophrenia.
The judge ruled that Qi meets the criteria for inpatient involuntary commitment. She said Qi is a danger to himself and others and will need treatment. Qi will be transported to Central Regional Hospital.
Qi will receive assessment and treatment at Central, and if the facility finds Qi has gained capacity, a written notice will be made to the Clerk of Court, District Attorney, and Orange County Sheriff. Then he can be released to a law enforcement agency.
The mental health reports for Qi will be sealed, though Qi asked the judge in court Monday for them to be made public. The judge denied that request.
The Orange County District Attorney said Qi's mental health can either be restored to capacity during treatment, meaning he will be able to go to trial, or a judge can find that Qi is incapable of restoration.
Qi was arrested in August, accused of murdering Professor Zijie Yan.
UNC went on lockdown for hours while police searched for the suspect.
Qi was last in court in September. His defense attorney argued he was unfit to stand trial because of his mental health.
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