Judge orders psychiatric exams for construction worker accused in triple homicide

HUDSON, Wis. (AP) – A judge has ordered a man accused of killing his three young daughters to undergo two separate psychiatric examinations before his trial.

Aaron Schaffhausen is charged with killing his daughters – 11-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophie and 5-year-old Cecilia – during a visit to their River Falls home last summer. They were found in their beds with their throats slit.

WCCO-TV reports the judge on Wednesday ordered Schaffhausen’s attorney to let the state have two separate experts examine him.

The Minot, N.D., construction worker has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

Last month, Schaffhausen’s attorney was ordered to give prosecutors copies of the defense’s mental health reports.

Another motions hearing is set for March 1. Schaffhausen’s trial is set to start April 1.