CHECKUP

Loughner Sent for Psych Evaluation

Giffords suspect will go to Missouri.

Is Jared Loughner insane? A Phoenix judge has ordered the suspect in the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords to go to a Missouri clinic for a full psychological evaluation “as soon as possible.” The examination, however, will be limited to determining whether Loughner is fit for trial—not whether he was insane at the time he allegedly shot Giffords and killed six others. “The question at issue is whether the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease,” the judge wrote. Prosecutors recommended the facility in Missouri because of its specialization in the field, while defense lawyers wanted the evaluation done in Tucson. In late January, Loughner pleaded not guilty to the shooting.