Loughner's Condition Deteriorates

The details of Jared Lee Loughner's fragile condition were brought to the fore yesterday during a three-hour hearing that ended with US District Judge Larry Burns agreeing that Loughner can continue to be forcibly medicated, as he has been since July 18. In explaining his decision, Burns described the accused Tucson shooter's behavior after his medication was previously stopped, according to the AP: Loughner stayed awake for 50 hours straight, walked in circles until he developed sores, and lost nine pounds after refusing the eat.

Loughner's attorney also argued that his sessions with psychologist Christina Pietz in a Missouri prison be videotaped so she could review them. Pietz testified by phone that Loughner is "less psychotic now" but becomes depressed if videotaping is mentioned, reports the Arizona Republic. She says he sobs uncontrollably at times and steps aside during their meetings to cover his face. Burns reaffirmed his earlier ruling to prohibit the videotaping, saying allowing it would compound Loughner's stress. (More Jared Lee Loughner stories.)