The Associated Press
PHOENIX- A man accused in a series of serial killings that terrorized the area apparently tried to commit suicide by taking an overdose of over-the-counter cold tablets, authorities said Wednesday.
Dale Hausner, 33, was found unresponsive in his jail cell Monday, according to Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Hausner did not write a suicide note, but had written messages meant for his pastor and another directing the release his books to his brother, Arpaio said. Officials also recovered two empty bottles of 48 tablets, Arpaio said.
Hausner’s lawyer, Ken Everett, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday.
Hausner was released from the jail’s infirmary Wednesday and placed on suicide watch in the psychiatric ward. Arpaio also said the jail would stop selling over-the-counter medications at the canteen.
Hausner and his roommate, Samuel John Dieteman, 31, both of Mesa, were arrested in August as suspects in more than 40 random shootings that left seven people dead across the Phoenix area.
Hausner is charged with seven counts of murder and Dieteman is charged with two counts. Both are charged with several additional crimes related to the shootings.
Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to police documents released last week, Hausner said he did not take part the shootings, while Dieteman told investigators that he watched as Hausner shot at people.