Mercer County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael J. Wherry on Wednesday ruled that a psychiatrist for the prosecution should examine accused murderer Shane R. Sloan.

Sloan is expected to go to trial early next year on charges that he strangled his mother, 48-year-old Susan LaRue Fleeger, in their mobile home at 823 B. S. Center St., Pine Township, on Feb. 5.

Defense attorneys Christopher St. John and Douglas Straub are expected to claim that Sloan's mental deficiency prevented him from forming a specific intent to kill his mother. If jurors are convinced, they could find Sloan guilty of a lesser murder or manslaughter charge.

With his head shaved, the 28-year-old Sloan sat quietly during Wednesday's hearing.

The prosecution's psychiatrist, Dr. Robert Wettstein of Pittsburgh, has reviewed the results of an examination by the defense's psychiatrist, Dr. Mended Feldscher of Cleveland, as well as records from Warren State Hospital in North Warren, Pa., said Assistant District Attorney Samuel Zuck.

Wettstein still wants to examine Sloan, Zuck said.

"We've turned over every shred of paper we have on this case," St. John said. He said doctors at Warren State already examined Sloan and both sides have documents on the treatment.

Wherry agreed with Zuck that an examination by Wettstein is necessary for the prosecution to make its case to a jury.

The judge ruled that a defense attorney may go with Sloan when he is examined Nov. 15 or 27. Wherry also ordered that guards watching Sloan cannot use the trip as a chance to question the defendant about the case.