Psychological Exam For Man In Slayings Of Wife, 2 Children

EASTPOINTE (AP) — A 38-year-old man will undergo a psychiatric examination prior to his trial in the strangulation of his wife, their 2-year-old daughter and their 8-year-old son at their Eastpointe home.

Timothy Fradeneck's attorney made the request Monday at his Macomb Circuit Court arraignment.

Charges against Fradeneck include first-degree murder and child abuse.

Police say a USB cord was used April 13 to kill 37-year-old Christine Fradeneck, daughter Celeste and son Timothy.

Investigators say Fradeneck told them he planned to kill himself as well but failed. They report Fradeneck said he wanted his family dead "to spare them the heartache" of his death.

Defense attorney Steve Kaplan has said Fradeneck was mentally ill at the time of the slayings.

Fradeneck's trial is set for Oct. 6.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.