Inmate's purchase of pick ax raises questions

A Chester County man whose bloody, psychotic rampage has kept him at Norristown State Hospital for nearly 30 years bought a pick ax at a hospital yard sale this past year, one of his psychiatrists testified yesterday.

The revelation, which evoked surprise from the judge, came during the annual commitment hearing for Richard Greist. In 1978, the former East Coventry Township resident fatally stabbed his wife, ripped their unborn child from her womb, slashed his grandmother's throat, blinded his 6-year-old daughter, and mutilated the family cat. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 1980.

Greist's lead psychiatrist, Olu Fakiyesi, said Greist, 57, told him that he wanted the ax for gardening. Therefore, he saw no need to confiscate it, the doctor testified. "The hospital sells pick axes?" Chester County Court Judge Edward Griffith asked.

Experts called by the defense, including psychologist Gerald Cook, say they believe Greist has shown improvement and belongs in a less restrictive setting. Barbara Ziv, the commonwealth's psychiatrist, is scheduled to testify Friday when the hearing resumes. For several years, she has asserted that Greist's failure to understand what prompted his breakdown puts him at risk for another psychotic episode. - Kathleen Brady Shea