Cory Bigsby (Photo credit: Hampton Roads Regional Jail)
HAMPTON, Virginia (WAVY) – Corey Bigsby appears to understand the legal process before him, but not the seriousness of the charges he faces.
That’s the opinion of psychologist Dr. Weare Zwermer, who evaluated the 44-year-old father in February and March and determined he was incapable of standing trial.
Bigsby is accused abused and neglected his four young sons, including Cody Bigsby. A 4-year-old boy has been missing for over a year and authorities presume he is dead. His father is the only one interested in his disappearance.
Zwermer concluded that Bigsby understood the roles of judge, jury, and prosecutor, but did not possess “a reasonable assessment of his legal situation” or the ability to assist his defense team. , court records show.
Zwermer highlighted two instances that led him to believe that Bigsby did not understand the seriousness of the charges against him. When doctors asked about his 30 charges facing Bigsby, he said he was arrested for “buying too much groceries” and “didn’t take sleeping children.”
Doctors also asked Bigsby why he believed he was undergoing a forensic evaluation, and he said: Maybe they want me to give my kids back. Maybe you’re ready to go home.
The assessment details Bigsby’s “escalating paranoia” and a series of “strange” behavior at Hampton Roads Regional Penitentiary.
Zwarmer writes that Bigsby’s own biographical information is full of inaccuracies, including the number and names of his children. Bigsby denied that she knew the names of her four sons, who were charged with abuse and neglect.
When shown a copy of the indictment, Bigsby told doctors that the children’s names were fake and that they were “deliberately entered by individuals determined to smear their names.”
After serving in the U.S. Army for 20 years, Bigsby self-reported to prison officials that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He was also diagnosed with an unknown psychosis, and migraines.
Zwarmer also spoke to Bigsby’s sister and daughter. They said Bigsby’s Army career caused him significant stress and created paranoia. , says court records.
Bigsby’s daughter told Zwarmer that his paranoia first became apparent when he was stationed in New Jersey. The pair were giggling in her bedroom when Bigsby accused them of talking about him.He also believed his neighbors were talking about him, according to court records. .
Bigsby has been on suicide watch at least twice while incarcerated at HRRJ. One time she was found hoarding drugs in her cell, and another time she told a prison officer she was going to hang herself. In both cases, Bigsby denied that he took any action or made any threats, court records say.
Also, the letter written by Bigsby contradicts other statements and goes against his best interests while in prison. One of those letters is the basis for his legal team’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit against him. but said it would “change the course” of his trial and indicate his deteriorating mental health.
Bigsby told a mental health professional he heard voices in his head telling him to kill himself. He also told prison medical staff that he had a machine implanted in his head and sought surgery to remove it, according to court records.
Bigsby denied any mental health problems and declined treatment at HRRJ.A Hampton Circuit Court judge recently declared Bigsby Eastern State Hospital You will be eligible for rehabilitation services for the next two months.
