Officials at a federal appeals court have upheld a ruling to forcibly medicate the incarcerated ex-boyfriend of rapper LIL' KIM so he can competently stand trial for the murders of six people.

Damion Hardy, who suffers from schizophrenia, was arrested in 2004 on suspicion of leading a violent drug gang which was allegedly responsible for a series of slayings in Brooklyn, New York.

Earlier this year (13), a Brooklyn judge gave permission for authorities to administer anti-psychotic drugs to Hardy so his case could proceed to trial.

His lawyer appealed the decision, but a three-judge panel dismissed the challenge in court this week (begs11Nov13), and agreed medication was necessary as Hardy had also been attacking guards and inmates in prison, reports the New York Daily News.

The 39 year old, who previously shared a home with Lil' Kim in New Jersey, faces the death penalty if convicted of the murder charges.