Susan Bacon asked Michael Finkel:

Hi Michael, I'm 2/3 of the way through your book and since there is so much debate as to whether or not Christopher Knight had a mental illness a thought comes to mind. Has anyone asked Mr. Knight if he would allow a psychiatrist or psychologist to do further study on his brain either while he is alive (via and MRI or other brain scan) or in an autopsy? That may provide valuable insight into his actions. Thanks, Sue

Michael Finkel Hello Sue. Mr. Knight was evaluated by one mental-health professional (hired by the State of Maine), and this evaluation is discussed in the book. I'm unsure whether he has been asked to participate in further studies, and I have a strong feeling that he would not be willing to do it, dead or alive. As he said to me about psychiatric diagnoses, "they're just a label slapped on a set of behaviors."

flag