Psychiatrist will see Terry Payton, surprise motion at hearing

PARIS, Ill. (WTHI) - What was supposed to be a routine pre-trial hearing had an interesting twist Tuesday afternoon.

An Edgar County judge orders Terry Payton, 16, to meet with a psychiatrist for two reasons. First, to determine if Terry is fit to stand trial. Second, to determine if Terry should be found not guilty by reason of insanity because of an alleged social disorder.

Payton's mother, Kathie Payton, was found dead inside her Paris home June 23.

The pre-trial hearing started with loud chatter outside the upstairs courtroom with at least 50 people gathered almost 30 minutes early to get a chance to see Terry walk in. A handful of people wore purple shirts supporting the accused murderer with "He's not a monster" written on the back.

Also in attendance was Jan Burno, the sister of the victim. Burno carried Kathie's bible and a recent picture of Terry and Kathie.

Inside the courtroom, Terry said nothing to News 10 as he left the courtroom. But he did respond to supporters who offered up words of encouragement as he got into the back of a sheriff's vehicle.

"Tthank you all," said Terry. "Love the shirts by the way."

The surprise inside court was a motion filed by the Guardian ad Litem, or Terry's court-appointed legal guardian.

The motion states that an unnamed person visited Terry at the juvenile detention facility without a court order or the approval of the guardian, Karen Burkybile. This after the same individual left a message at the guardian's home Sunday. Records show the guardian promptly returned the phone call and left a message with the unnamed individual.

The motion asks the court to limit the people allowed to see Terry to a select few.

Burkybile said "no comment" to News 10 when asked over the telephone if she could describe the relationship of the unauthorized person to Terry.

Terry Payton is due back in court July 18 for another preliminary hearing at 1:30 Central time.