Prosecutor: St. Patrick’s suspect mentally unfit for trial

NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say the college philosophy teacher charged with plotting to burn down St. Patrick’s Cathedral is not mentally fit for trial.

Judge Neil Ross of Manhattan Supreme Court said Thursday he plans to commit Marc Lamparello to a mental health facility for rehabilitation.

The results of Lamparello’s court-ordered psychiatric evaluation will postpone his case indefinitely.

The Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, man was arrested in April after police said he took gas cans and lighters into the landmark church.

His arrest came days after flames ravaged the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Lamparello has pleaded not guilty to attempted arson and reckless endangerment.

Defense attorney Chris DiLorenzo has attributed the St. Patrick’s incident to a psychotic episode.

He tells The Associated Press that Lamparello has undergone mental health treatment for years.