Ridgefield man is found fit for trial in incident involving son

Friday, November 05, 2004

VANCOUVER -- A Ridgefield man accused of trying to circumcise his 8-year-old son in the bathtub is competent to stand trial.

Edwin B. Baxter, 33, was found competent after a mental health evaluation requested in late September by his attorney, Anthony J. Lowe.

Baxter was arrested Sept. 3 and faces an accusation of second-degree assault of a child/domestic violence. His bail is set at $50,000.

In a hearing Thursday, Clark County Superior Court Judge James E. Rulli read portions of a report that said Baxter had low self-esteem and low impulse control but that he had no mental defect.

Baxter understands the charge against him and will be able to assist his attorney in his defense, the report said.

Lowe told the court he is considering whether to pursue a defense of diminished capacity.

Rulli will set a trial date on Monday. Baxter's trial had been scheduled to start Monday but was postponed to allow for the mental evaluation.