'Holy Orders': Muth Maintains Fast, Murder Trial Continues

Former Georgetown resident Albrecht Muth, charged with the murder of his wife Viola Drath, said he would not end his fast at a Wednesday court hearing held in preparation of his Jan. 6 trial.  

Homicide Watch D.C. reported that Muth said he would ask St. Gabriel if he could break his fast, but he intended to "follow holy orders."

“I do not have the authority to break my fast,” Muth said, according to Homicide Watch D.C. 

Muth remains hospitalized in a "weakened state" from fasting on and off for nearly two years and will attend the trial via speakerphone. 

Muth was charged in 2011 with the beating and strangulation of his 91-year-old, journalist wife, who was found dead on her bathroom floor. 

Since the trial process began, Muth has been hospitalized for mental evaluation and diagnosed with “narcissistic personality disorder,” but ultimately deemed fit for trial in August 2012.

And then hospitalized in February 2012 in critical condition after starving himself for months.  

Despite Muth's continued hospitalization, both the prosecutor and Muth's lawyer agreed that they were ready for trial. And although he is unable to travel between the hospital and the courtroom, he waived his right to be present, allowing the trial to go on, communicating with a speakerhone, court records said.