2 police officers shot in Walker's Point; suspect in custody

Man charged in police shootings had visited mental health facility, lawyer says
By Marie Rohde of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Jun. 26, 2009 1:25 p.m.

Julius Burton, charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the shooting of two police officers, went to the Milwaukee County Mental Health facility about two weeks before the shooting, according to Julius Kim, a defense lawyer handling the case.

Burton was held 24 hours, given medication and released from the facility, Kim said Friday after a hearing in which Burton, 18, was sent to the Mendota Mental Health Institute for a comprehensive assessment of his ability to aid in his own defense.

Kim, who is joined by Jonathan LaVoy in representing Burton, said he has not confirmed his client's mental health history but said Burton's family reported that he has had mental health issues most of his life and had been in and out of mental health facilities. Kim also said he could not say if Burton was on his medication at the time of the shooting of the two officers - Graham M. Kunish and Bryan J. Norberg - on June 9.

"I think people might read between the lines," Kim said. "The fact is that he is now medicated and is stable. I don't know that he was at the time he was taken to the jail."

Burton, wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, was handcuffed and shackled when he was brought into court Friday in a wheelchair. A psychiatrist had met with him twice in an attempt to determine competency but said in a report that further evaluation was necessary.

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm did not object to the findings and Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Patricia McMahon ordered that he be transferred to the mental health facility for further examination. A full report is expected to be completed by the next court hearing on July 20.

McMahon also determined that the criminal complaint supported probable cause for proceeding with the case.

Burton was on a bicycle on S. 2nd St. when he was stopped by the officers. Video from a nearby business showed that Burton had gotten off the bike and was on foot when he fired directly at the officers, striking them multiple times and causing serious injuries, a criminal complaint says. Burton fled on foot, leaving the officers screaming in pain and bleeding on the sidewalk. Both have since been released from the hospital but Kunish, 26, and Norberg, 21, are off the job and continuing to recover, according to a department spokeswoman.

Kim said Burton did not have a criminal history and was not involved in illegal drugs.

"His entire family is in shock," Kim said. "He had no history of violence or criminal activity until this occurred."

John Chianelli, the head of behavioral services for the county, could not immediately be reached regarding Burton's treatment at the county facility before the shooting.

*lets save the county money and just slap the guy on wrist!