Accused murderer Tucker Cipriano makes brief court appearance - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Tucker Cipriano stood silently with his head down as attorneys and the court discussed his case.  He's accused of killing his own father, pummeling Robert Cipriano with a baseball bat, beating his mother, Rose, and his brother, Sal, nearly to death.

His attorney has asked for a forensic exam to determine if he's competent to stand trial.  So far, he's been seen three times by a psychiatrist.  The results should be coming in the next two to three weeks.

"My main concern is was Tucker psychotic at the time of this incident?" said attorney Mitchell Ribitwer.

Cipriano allegedly attacked his family while high on K2.

"Based on our research is that he very well could've been psychotic at the time of this incident because of the K2 and other abuses with regard to substances," Ribitwer explained.

He says his client is glad to hear his mother and brother are improving at a rehab facility.  They're talking.  Rose is out walking every day with Sal behind her throwing a football or kicking a soccer
ball.

"He's happy to know that they're improving, but he's still very despondent, very distraught, very withdrawn and upset about this entire situation."

Also charged in the attack is Mitchell Young.  His attorney wants his confession thrown out because he was hospitalized with a dislocated jaw after allegedly fighting with Robert Cipriano when he made his statements to police.

"He was receiving emergency medical care when he was interrogated," said attorney Mike McCarthy.

Also at issue, lawyers for both young men want separate trials for the two defendants.

"I don't want Mr. Young being swept along in a tide of sentiment having to do with Mr. Cipriano," McCarthy said.

"I don't want Tucker to be facing a situation where we have to deal with Mr. Young's statements to the police based upon the fact that they're not even true," Ribitwer said.

Cipriano is due back in court on September 25 and Young the following day to resolve these issues, but it's not likely we'll see a trial start until next year.