Thursday, March 11, 1999
Tylenol overdose ends trial
Murder defendant said 'his head hurt'
BY DAN HORN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Timothy Rueve's murder trial was called off Wednesday because he took an overdose of Tylenol.
Although prosecutors described it as a possible suicide attempt, jail officials said Mr. Rueve told them he took 40 pills because “his head hurt.”
Regardless of Mr. Rueve's intent, Judge David Davis of Hamilton County Common Pleas Court declared a mistrial in the case because the defendant would be unable to participate in his own defense.
Mr. Rueve's lawyer, William Whalen, said his client will remain hospitalized for several days until doctors determine whether the overdose damaged his liver.
The judge said the trial would be rescheduled when a court psychologist determines that Mr. Rueve is competent.
Mr. Rueve, 25, is accused of strangling his estranged wife, Robin, during an Oct. 9 argument in the basement of his Price Hill home.
Prosecutors say he pinned her neck in the crease of his arm and squeezed so hard he broke cartilage in her spine. The defense says he was only trying to restrain his wife and did not intend to harm her.
Justice Center officials say Mr. Rueve sought help from the medical staff early Tuesday morning, complaining of a stomachache.
Jail spokesman Steve Barnett said Mr. Rueve told the staff he had taken 40 Tylenol pills.
“He said he was not trying to commit suicide,” Mr. Barnett said. “He told them his head hurt.”
Mr. Barnett said doctors notified the jail Wednesday that Mr. Rueve was recovering well. He said the level of Tylenol in his body had fallen so quickly that doctors think he took far fewer than 40 pills.
Although the jail pharmacy hands out Tylenol only a few pills at a time, Mr. Barnett said Mr. Rueve may have stashed a supply of them in his cell.
“He has never given any indication of being suicidal,” Mr. Barnett said. “Maybe his head hurt, or maybe he wanted to delay his trial.”
Recycle plan: Old clothes make new life
VD rate for teens soars in Tristate
Q & A about sex and risks
Most local school districts too 'rich' for funds
School officials find funding formula complicated
Charges toughened against driver
Driver pleads not guilty in 3 deaths
Jail officer facing sex charges was a felon
Mother sues city after cruiser hit, killed son during chase
National chain plans antiques mall in Tricounty
The meaning of Mecca
Caregivers send cry for help
Sabin Center expansion foes get hearing
Where to build jail? How about 100 miles away?
Actress proves show must go on
Chaim Soutine painting given to Cincinnati Art Museum
Technology makes cleanup of Fernald 'can't-miss' project
Tylenol overdose ends trial
Young star adapts to 'Tavern'
GOP in search mode for Lucas challenger
Church fights zoning ruling
City pushed to add snow equipment
City wants help fixing rail tracks
Cold Spring planners reject development
Court hears accounts of sex abuse of children
Court urged to alter judicial voting
Firemen's discipline undecided
Kenton Co. officials still face liability in inmate's death
Kidnap suspect charged
Lincoln Heights loses manager
Ludlow police, city battle over check
Neighbors don't want Butler jail
New charges in Covington bank robbery
'Read With Me' drive helps kids
Shirey, FOP want to keep target range
TRISTATE DIGEST
