Teen accused in Tacoma school shooting has history of mental illness

TACOMA — The teenager accused of killing a fellow student at a local high school has a history of mental illness and may have schizophrenia, according to a report from a mental-health expert.

Douglas Chanthabouly, 18, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Samnang Kok, who was shot and killed Wednesday at Foss High School.

Chanthabouly admitted killing Kok but refused to tell police why. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $1 million bail.

After his arrest, Chanthabouly was interviewed by Penny Hobson of Pierce County Jail's mental-health staff.

Hobson's report filed Thursday in Pierce County Superior Court said that Chanthabouly was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Kirkland two years ago after attempting suicide.

Chanthabouly was confused at times, somewhat depressed and having hallucinations, Hobson wrote in her evaluation.

He "appears to have difficulty with concentration" and said he has trouble remembering things since he began suffering psychotic symptoms about two years ago, she wrote.

Chanthabouly "reports ongoing psychotic symptoms that are reduced but not extinguished with medication," Hobson said. "Based on his history, there may [be] competency concerns — this would obviously be impacted by his attorney's ability to communicate with him."

Hobson noted that Chanthabouly's judgment was within normal limits and "currently appears adequate." He also had a good understanding of his current circumstances and "does not appear to be imminently at risk," she said.

All inmates when first booked undergo routine screening, sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said. An additional evaluation is done in cases where there appear to be emotional or mental problems, he said. It also helps determine whether a prisoner needs special attention or to be segregated from the main jail population.

Chanthabouly was put into a "crisis cell" his first night in jail so he could be closely monitored, Troyer said.

Witnesses told police that Chanthabouly pointed a handgun at Kok and fired a shot into his face. The shooter stood over Kok and fired twice more, hitting him in the lower left side and left buttock, the statement said. The gunman then fled the building.

The mental-health evaluation could lead to "some issues being brought up down the road," including a determination of whether Chanthabouly is competent to stand trial, deputy prosecutor Ed Murphy said.

"It definitely gives the defense a starting point," he said.

Public defenders representing Chanthabouly have reviewed his evaluation and plan to examine avenues for a defense.

"At this point, we're exploring all issues," said John Chin, who declined to go into specifics.

Chin's co-counsel, John McNeish, said it was too early to draw conclusions.

"In most murder cases, it takes a while to determine what really happened," he said. "I'm sure that will be the case in this one as well."