Judge: Homeless man not competent for trial

PORTLAND – A homeless man is not mentally competent to stand trial on a manslaughter charge in the beating death of another homeless man last fall, a judge ruled.

Larry Sauve, 47, suffers from a mental illness that interferes with his reasoning skills and ability to assist in his own defense, Cumberland County Superior Court Justice Thomas Warren ruled Thursday. Warren cited a confidential mental health evaluation.

Sauve, who was transferred to the Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta for treatment, is charged in the death of Peter Vukelich. Both men were longtime members of Portland’s homeless community.

Sauve had petitioned to represent himself at trial and requested DNA tests and permission to interview witnesses.

“I’m never going to get my day in court,” he said.