article_snippet.sent: Defense attorneys had asked that Spell be placed into custody of state health officials for placement in an institution for the mentally disabled.
article_snippet.sent: Defense attorneys claimed he was 'easily confused and displays the intelligence of an 11-year-old'.
article_snippet.sent: Defense attorneys said Spell's mental problems made he unable to conform to the law, making he eligible for commitment to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.
article_snippet.sent: Spell was spared a potential death sentence after state health officials agreed with the defense that he was mentally disabled.
article_snippet.sent: Defense attorneys wanted Spell sentenced to an institution for the mentally disabled .
article_snippet.sent: But Simonton in May rejected arguments from the defense that Spell's history of low IQ scores, his difficulty reading and other mental problems rendered his incompetent to stand trial.
article_snippet.sent: said Friday's judgment will be appealed based on their continued belief that his was not fit for trial.
article_snippet.sent: If the state Supreme Court agrees, Spell would be committed to a state mental institution, Avignone said.
highlights_snippet.sent: Defense experts said Spell did not understand the case against and was mentally unfit to stand trail .
  