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Jury Considers Whether Williamson's Doctor's At Fault

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HILLSBOROUGH — Closing arguments concluded early Thursday afternoon in the malpractice trial of Wendell Williamson's doctor. Williamson says his doctor is to blame for Williamson killing two people in downtown Chapel Hill in January of 1995.

Williamson says his psychiatrist misdiagnosed his condition, and misprescribed anti-psychotic drugs. The former law student says his doctor's negligence is to blame for the shooting spree.

The doctor, Myron Liptzin, says Williamson failed to follow instructions, and no one could have predicted the shooting spree.

Liptzin says he is worried about the message sent to the entire psychiatric community.

"I'm really concerned about my colleagues who are watching this with great interest back in the student health service," Liptzin said. "I'm wondering how they are going to feel and how they are going to be able to do their job if in fact they are asked to be fortune tellers."

Both sides agree Williamson is a paranoid schizophrenic. Williamson was found not guilty by reason of insanity in his murder trial.

Williamson is suing for more than $10,000. The jury did not reach a verdict Thursday. ,Julie Moos

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