Suspect in Tucson car-bombing murder says brain plugs control her

Judge Richard Fields announced Wednesday morning he believes a psychiatrist should visit with Phillips, 54, in light of the findings of a doctor who was hired by her defense team.

The exact findings are not part of the public record, but defense attorney Peter Herberg has repeatedly expressed concerns about Phillips’ mental status.

Several months ago, now-retired Judge Charles Sabalos agreed to have Phillips undergo a pre-screening evaluation to see if any questions arose as to her ability to understand the nature of the criminal proceedings pending against her and her ability to assist her attorneys in her defense.

During a hearing in March forensic psychiatrist Dr. Brad Johnson testified he didn’t see the need for a full evaluation and Fields concurred.

Johnson testified he believes Phillips is probably “malingering” or faking the symptoms of mental illness. Phillips told him she believes someone has been watching and listening to her for the past seven to eight years and she believes she has had tracking devices placed in her neck and passport, Johnson said. She contends plugs inserted into her brain have allowed people to both track her and control her body, he said.

In addition, Phillips described feeling as though waves of energy or electricity have flowed through her body at times. At other times, she feels like she’s exploding or imploding from within, Johnson said.

Phillips is being held on $5 million bond in the November 1996 bombing death of Gary Triano, her former husband. She is accused of using portions of Triano’s $2 million life insurance policy to pay Ronald Young to kill Triano.

Phillips and Young were indicted in October 2008 on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Young was convicted and is serving a life sentence.

Phillips is scheduled to go to trial in January.

Contact reporter Kim Smith at kimsmith@azstarnet.com or 573-4241.