The Normal Community High School shooter's sentencing has been delayed until March 5. (Photo By Paul Morello/WJBC)

By Paul Morello

BLOOMINGTON - Further psychiatric tests have delayed the Normal Community High School shooter's sentencing hearing.

Dr. Diana Chu's report recommended that the 14-year-old boy be evaluated and placed in an inpatient facility for extended testing before being sentenced.

Chief Judge Elizabeth Robb made the decision Tuesday to push back the sentencing to March 5, citing "significant concerns raised in regard to the boy's mental health status," she told attorneys.

Defense attorney Art Feldman wasn't sure whether the testing would be completed by March.

"How long it's exactly going to take I don't know, but hopefully the sooner the better," he said. "The sooner we get him in the sooner we can get a workup done."

The boy will be taken to either Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center in Springfield or Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System in Streamwood.

Chu's psychiatric evaluation was received last week. It was part of a required treatment plan for the boy.

In December, the 14-year-old entered a guilty but mentally ill plea on eight charges, including armed violence, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm and aggravated unlawful restraint. Eight other similar charged were dropped as part of the plea deal.

The boy was charged with holding an NCHS classroom hostage in September and firing shots into the ceiling.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.