Arthur Charland, 42, was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Linda Faye Owens, with whom he had an 11-year affair.
Charland told investigators after his arrest that he had taken prescription medication the morning of the Dec. 13 shooting, FBI Special Agent Chris Hedges testified. Hedges said a doctor had diagnosed Charland as bipolar, but that Charland didn't like to take his medicine because of its side effects, which include anxiety, nervousness and dizziness.
The probable cause hearing Monday was the first court appearance for Charland since he had been charged. The case is scheduled to go to a federal grand jury Jan. 4.
According to a criminal complaint, Charland concealed a shotgun inside Christmas wrapping paper and walked into the pharmacy of the Fayetteville VA to shoot Owens. Charland told investigators he and Owens had an affair that started in 1994 and that Owens wanted to end their relationship.
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