The DC government said on Thursday evening that it will “take steps to seek a court order” to prevent Albrecht Muth—who was arrested last summer and charged with the Georgetown murder of his wife, Viola Drath—from starving himself to death.
A statement issued by the Office of the Attorney General said: “While Albrecht Muth’s condition is being constantly monitored by medical staff, the District of Columbia’s agencies are working closely with doctors, hospitals, and the court to determine the proper course of action. The District is going to take steps to seek a court order authorizing any needed provision of nutrients and healthcare to avoid harm or death to Mr. Muth.”
Muth, 47, has been in and out of the hospital after refusing to eat. He was returned to the hospital last night. He is being represented by the DC Public Defender Service, though he has said he prefers to represent himself. Thursday morning Superior Court judge Russell Canan held a hearing in which he said that Muth was “incapable of representing himself” and suspended his right to self-representation. Canan said that Muth’s health situation would become “grave” if something wasn’t done. He scheduled another hearing for next Tuesday.
Muth was sent to the DC jail after being charged with the fatal beating of Drath, his 91-year-old wife, at their Georgetown home. Her body was found in an upstairs bathroom.
The attorney general’s office would not say precisely when it will seek the court order.
DC Government Will Step In to Prevent Muth Starvation
The Office of the Attorney General may seek a court order to prevent Albrecht Muth from starving himself to death while incarcerated.
The DC government said on Thursday evening that it will “take steps to seek a court order” to prevent Albrecht Muth—who was arrested last summer and charged with the Georgetown murder of his wife, Viola Drath—from starving himself to death.
A statement issued by the Office of the Attorney General said: “While Albrecht Muth’s condition is being constantly monitored by medical staff, the District of Columbia’s agencies are working closely with doctors, hospitals, and the court to determine the proper course of action. The District is going to take steps to seek a court order authorizing any needed provision of nutrients and healthcare to avoid harm or death to Mr. Muth.”
Muth, 47, has been in and out of the hospital after refusing to eat. He was returned to the hospital last night. He is being represented by the DC Public Defender Service, though he has said he prefers to represent himself. Thursday morning Superior Court judge Russell Canan held a hearing in which he said that Muth was “incapable of representing himself” and suspended his right to self-representation. Canan said that Muth’s health situation would become “grave” if something wasn’t done. He scheduled another hearing for next Tuesday.
Muth was sent to the DC jail after being charged with the fatal beating of Drath, his 91-year-old wife, at their Georgetown home. Her body was found in an upstairs bathroom.
The attorney general’s office would not say precisely when it will seek the court order.
Most Popular in News & Politics
What It Felt Like for a Virginia Marching Band to Win Metallica’s Contest
Meet the 2023 Washingtonians of the Year
What’s IN and OUT in DC Restaurant Trends for 2024
Introducing 8 of DC’s Most Stylish
Washingtonian Magazine
April 2024: Great Places to Live
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
13 Major Concerts and Music Festivals in the DC Area This Spring
Mary Timony on Her Emotional New Album, “Untame the Tiger”
The Beatles in DC: A New Exhibit in Maryland Looks Back on Early Beatlemania
Northern Virginia High School Wins Metallica’s Marching Band Competition
More from News & Politics
Seven Miles of Georgia Avenue Will Have a Bus-Only Lane This Summer
What We’ll Miss (or Won’t Miss) About Foxtrot
Foxtrot Is Closing Its DC-Area Stores
Taylor Swift Class Will Be Offered at American University
You Can Still Get Tickets to See Caitlin Clark Play in DC
The Capital Pride Parade Won’t Go Through Dupont Circle This Year
Why Did WAMU Close DCist?
Botox in Your Twenties? More People Under 30 Are Getting Cosmetic Treatments.