Braunstein Gets His Head Examined

New York City has agreed to once again test accused sexual abuser and fireman impersonator Peter Braunstein for mental and physical trauma. While Braunstein has already been deemed psychologically fit to stand trial, after allegedly suffering from severe headaches it was discovered that he managed to fracture his skull in three places. The tests will be used to determine if he can physically stand trial in his current condition and how to proceed with his medical problems.

This isn't the first time Braunstein will be tested. At first, Braunstein attempted to file a plea of insanity in an effort to dodge his charges, but extensive psychological evaluations from both the prosecution and defense clearly revealed that he was mentally fit to stand trial. This new series of examinations are being held to determine if Peter Braunstein is physically and mentally capable of standing the pressures of a trial. If the results show that he cannot physically attend for medical reasons, or that he cannot adequately stand trial and defend himself in his current state of health, the trial could be postponed indefintely until it is deemed safe for the case to continue.

While the decision seems sound, there are detractors who have a major problem with the decision. Braunstein is seen as having tried every possible angle to avoid facing trial, starting with the prior insanity bid. Some go as far as to claim that Braunstein's head trauma was self inflicted, rather than the result of an accident.

Braunstein claims that he fell and smashed his head into the side of the sink in his jail cell, causing multiple fractures to the skull. Critics claim that this was an intentional act, and Peter Braunstein likely caused the injuries himself, by intentionally banging his head against the sink until this level of damage was sustained.

Peter Braunstein allegedly impersonated on a New York City firefighter on October 31, 2005 - Halloween night - in order to gain access to the workplace of a thirty four year old civil employee. He is currently facing charges of kidnapping, arson, burglary, assault, robbery, and sexual abuse. Braunstein managed to avoid police pursuit for six weeks before being discovered in Tennessee. He then attempted to commit suicide by stabbing himself multiple times in the neck but was unsuccessful. The trial has been adjourned until Thursday, where the results of the medical examinations will be reported to the presiding judge and a decision will be made on how to proceed with the trial.

Sources:
"Judge Orders Braunstein Head Exam." Metro. 10 April 2007.
"Judge Orders Head Exam for Braunstein." Daily News. 9 April 2007.