Evaluation shows disturbing details of murder suspect's mindset - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A psych evaluation is revealing news details about what was going on inside the mind of a Dinwiddie man accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend, her mother, and his father.

The evaluation indicates Herbert Bland Jr. has a history of mental health problems and that right now, he cannot stand trial.  

The details are disturbing to read, a man accused of triple murder reportedly off his mediation, believing witchcraft is to blame for the crimes- in addition to unknown people in New York who were controlling his life. 

The crimes that January night span two counties: Chesterfield and Dinwiddie. Police say Bland went to Chesterfield, shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Elizabeth Fassett and then her mother, Barbara Fassett, before returning home to kill his father.  

In the evaluation, Bland told the doctor Elizabeth Fassett wasn't dead. It says Bland had a long-standing delusion that she was controlling his mind and that the two were psychically yoked together.  Bland also said he believed Elizabeth Fassett was resurrected and alive somewhere.

He told the evaluator his father was alive too- working with the people in New York as a part of a great conspiracy. Bland's mother reported he has been treated for psychosis in the past, but stopped taking his medication before the murders.

Bland believes he can prove his innocence if only allowed to present X-rays of his collar bone in court.  He says it would show the shape of a snake, due to witchcraft.

The evaluator reported Bland was so obsessed with trying to prove his delusions he didn't care much for the rules of court.

A hearing about Bland's competency was scheduled for Wednesday, but because of the snow the hearing will have to be rescheduled now.

Doctors said Bland was "floridly psychotic" in describing the murders and what led up to his arrest. The recommendation was that he should be committed to the Department of Behavior Health. But with medication, it is believed he could regain competency to stand trial.

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