Video technician back on stand today Sep 25, 2008
Prosecution tries to poke holes in Nichols insanity defense ... He is the prosecution s 7th witness, as lawyers try to undercut Nichols not guilty-by-reason-of-insanity defense, and to lay the groundwork for their case that he was sane and methodical that morning as he plotted and executed his escape. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Glen Race Murder Trial Resumes Sep 24, 2008
His lawyers will use an insanity defense. The Canadian man is accused of killing Darcy Manor last year at a camp in Mooers, New York. (WCAX.com, VT)
Man accused of murdering 4 has his trial postponed to June Sep 22, 2008
McDannel said she has officially notified the court of her plans to seek an insanity defense for Abbott. She said she may use insanity as an alternate defense. (Anchorage Daily News)
Mox Sentenced for Killing His Father Sep 21, 2008
Mox was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic as a teenager, but the 43-year-old waived his right to use an insanity defense. During his plea, he said he hadn't been taking prescription medication, became angry with his father and heard voices. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Henrietta Man Gets 25 Years For Killing Dad Sep 20, 2008
Mox was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic as a teenager, but he waived his right to use an insanity defense. During his plea, Mox said he became angry with his father and heard voices because he had not been taking his medication. (R News)
Jury tosses insanity defense in Coney trial Sep 19, 2008
Derrick McCants dabbed tears from his eyes Thursday as he sat in court and heard a jury reject the insanity defense of the woman who murdered his wife two years ago at Shands Jacksonville's pharmacy ... Prosecutors acknowledged Coney's paranoid schizophrenia but contended she was hiding behind an insanity defense because her deliberate actions before, during and after the shooting indicated she knew right from wrong. (Florida Times-Union)
Harris lawyers dispute prosecution theory Sep 18, 2008
His attorneys say they will use the insanity defense. Although defense attorneys concede Harris may have answered one question untruthfully during a Personality Assessment Inventory, they say his statements were "to present himself as not having psychological problems.". (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Nichols jury selected Sep 18, 2008
The defense sought jurors opposed to the death penalty and open to Nichols innocent-by-reason-of insanity defense. The prosecution sought jurors who would toss out the insanity arguments, find Nichols guilty of murder, and sentence him to death instead of life in prison. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Documents point to possible motive in girls' slaying Sep 17, 2008
His attorneys plan to use an insanity defense. According to the prosecution's Sept. 11 motion, signed by Assistant Woodbury County Attorney Mark A. Campbell, the defense wants to keep any reports from psychological or psychiatric tests administered to Harris out of court. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Split experts prompt delay in Higa ruling Sep 12, 2008
If Higa is deemed fit to stand trial, a trial date would be set at which time the defense is expected to raise the insanity defense. Gainsley found that Higa was not legally insane, and Blinder said the data does not support the insanity defense. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Mutilation Suspects Seeks Change of Venue Sep 12, 2008
Klages plans to use an insanity defense. Click here for recent web links from The Channel 3 News. (WCAX.com, VT)
Full Story Sep 12, 2008
(AP) -- The attorney for an teenager accused of killing a middle school student four years ago laid out an insanity defense Thursday, saying the boy was obsessed with serial killers, gangs and Internet violence. Defense attorney Richard Rosenbaum conceded Michael Hernandez, now 18, slashed and killed Jaime Gough in a South Florida school bathroom stall. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Last expert calls Higa unfit to stand trial Sep 11, 2008
Donovan also said Higa did not know initially and did not seem to care to learn the nature and possible consequences of an insanity defense, showing more interest in knowing whether he would be allowed to smoke at the Hawaii State Hospital if he is sent there. In previous reports submitted to the court, psychiatrist Martin Blinder said there is insufficient clinical data to support an insanity defense and Honolulu psychologist Stephen Gainsley said Higa's actions were the result of a psychotic... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Judge Bars Murder Suspect from Firing Lawyer Sep 10, 2008
Race will use an an insanity defense. Prosecutors say Race knew what he was doing. (WCAX.com, VT)
Pa. mom, free after killings: ’I am not a monster’ Sep 5, 2008
Lippiatt had spent more than three years receiving treatment at a state psychiatric hospital and incarcerated in a county jail before a Lancaster County judge accepted her insanity defense in December, acquitting her of murder and freeing her from state custody. Her comments Wednesday came a few hours after Judge James P. Cullen rejected a prosecution request that she be ordered to undergo more psychiatric treatment. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Second expert weighs in on Higa Sep 4, 2008
But Blinder said "there is insufficient clinical data to support an insanity defense." ... But the second report will likely make it even harder for Higa to prevail on the insanity defense. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Alleged baby-killer deemed not insane Sep 2, 2008
The insanity defense for the man accused of tossing a 23-month-old baby from an H-1 freeway overpass this year has suffered a setback ... Higa is raising the insanity defense to a charge of murdering Cyrus Belt on Jan. 17 ... The report, which was made public Friday, is a blow to Higa's insanity defense. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Iraq rape charges upheld against ex-GI Aug 27, 2008
His lawyers have said they plan to use an insanity defense at trial. Green's public defender, Patrick Bouldon, said the civilian justice system shouldn't handle cases involving the unfamiliar and extreme setting of a war zone. (MSNBC -- International)
A rather whacky chat Aug 26, 2008
Now, some of you might suggest that by allowing the Globe and NBC to interview his fruit loop of a client, Steve Hrones is setting up an insanity defense. I still say this is a Hollywood pitch. (Boston Globe)
Rosengarth heads to psych hospital Aug 15, 2008
It differs from an insanity defense, which involves a debilitating mental disease suffered by the accused at the time of the crime. Sigismonti has already filed a mental infirmity defense in the case charging that Rosengarth was insane at the time of the killings. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
November trial set for Walgreens arson suspect Aug 14, 2008
Sign up now for the Moonlight Run. Palo Alto Online News. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Wife of Slain Ga. Judge Settles Claims for $5.2 Million Aug 8, 2008
His lawyers have indicated they will seek an insanity defense. GUIDANCE FOR OTHER CASES. (Law.com)
Suspect eyes insanity defense in church shooting Aug 7, 2008
Church shooting suspect eyes insanity defense ... KNOXVILLE, Tennessee - An out-of-work truck driver accused of killing two people and wounding six others in a shooting at a Unitarian church plans an insanity defense, his lawyer said. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Man Denies Charges for Mutilation Attack Jul 29, 2008
Klages' lawyers say they may use an insanity defense at trial. Click here for recent web links from The Channel 3 News. (WCAX.com, VT)
Gunman pleads guilty in 2 killings Jul 22, 2008
Mr. Visnansky had a mental health evaluation last week but elected not to attempt an insanity defense. He vacillated about whether or not to take the deal, and he did not fully make up his mind until yesterday morning, after speaking with his family. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Mother will enter insanity plea Jul 14, 2008
The Augusta woman accused of fatally stabbing her two small children last year in a convenience store restroom will present an insanity defense. Jeannette Hawes' attorney filed a formal notice of defense this week to raise the issue of insanity, mental illness or metal retardation. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Nichols jury selection Thursday Jul 13, 2008
West said success in using an insanity defense is "rare" since a jury found John Hinckley was not guilty by reason of insanity in the assassination attempt of President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Jury selection for Nichols has been delayed, started and then delayed again because of legal issues, most notably funding problems for Nichols' defense team. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Evaluating the accused Jul 7, 2008
And despite some public perception, the number of defendants who successfully use an insanity defense is also rare. "The standard is very high for sanity," said Dr. Cathy Buckwell, a forensic psychologist at Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Burpee admits abduction/assault, police report Jul 4, 2008
He said there is no longer a temporary insanity defense in California, and there hasn't been since after the trial of Mayor Moscone's killer. Since there's a confession here, what's likely is there will be a sentencing hearing and a plea bargain. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Nichols: Don't show my beard Jul 3, 2008
Neither, but issue could help his insanity defense. Voter Limit: Once per Hour. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
No room at the ward for Rosengarth Jul 2, 2008
It differs from an insanity defense, which involves a debilitating mental disease suffered by the accused at the time of the crime. Mechanick said with medicine and counseling, Rosengarth will eventually be able to participate in his defense and stand trial. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
Supreme Court Justices Add 2 Cases to Docket Jun 29, 2008
The appeals court said Alexandre Mirzayance is entitled to a new trial because his lawyer persuaded him not to pursue an insanity defense. A jury convicted Mirzayance of first-degree murder, although the lawyer had sought lesser charges. (RedOrbit)
The verdict: Candidates nearly even in key trials Jun 22, 2008
In the first murder case against former USS Stark sailor Walter Taylor in 1991, Corey and her co-counsel were criticized by the 1st District Court of Appeal for "prosecutorial misconduct" including: mocking Taylor's insanity defense as a "copout," asking improper questions to circumvent the judge's ruling about inadmissible evidence and striking a table with the murder weapon during closing arguments. Taylor was convicted at his second trial in 1995 of killing Paula Smits and her 3-year-old... (Florida Times-Union)
'Cruel andvindictive' woman guilty of killing 2 beaus Jun 21, 2008
BRENTWOOD, N.H. - A woman who claimed she was an angel sent from God to punish pedophiles was convicted Friday of murdering two boyfriends by a jury that rejected her insanity defense. Sheila LaBarre, 49, was sentenced to life in prison without parole. (Huntington WSAZ-TV, WV)
Court limits self-representation for mentally ill Jun 21, 2008
Panetti was convicted and sentenced to death after personally arguing that only an insane person could prove the insanity defense. He dressed in cowboy clothing and submitted an initial witness list that included Jesus Christ and John F. Kennedy. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
MENTALLY ILL MAN CLAIMS MISTAKEN IDENTITY AS HE GETS LIFE SENTENCE FOR ERIE MURDER Jun 12, 2008
Patton, 56, who had refused to let his lawyer present an insanity defense at trial, has been diagnosed as having bipolar disorder with psychotic features. A jury on May 7 convicted him of first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence with no chance of parole. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Curtis Thompson’s death apparently a suicide Jun 10, 2008
Thompson s attorney s presented an insanity defense at his trial, which was moved from Stark County to Dixon on a change of venue. Assistant Attorney General Richard Schwind assisted the state with the prosecution. (Kewanee Star Courier, IL)
Alleged bank robber arraigned in Connecticut court Jun 7, 2008
Sastrom was remanded to the facility after being acquitted on extortion charges using an insanity defense. Comments Thank you for the abuse report. (Chelmsford Independent, MA)
Haq Trial Ends With A Mistrial Jun 5, 2008
While presenting his insanity defense, Haq's attorneys said he poses a risk to society and should instead be locked in a state mental hospital for the rest of his life. King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Don Raz says his team are gearing up to bring Haq back to trial. (Q13.com, WA)
LaBarre taken out of her insanity trial sobbing loudly Jun 4, 2008
"It's one of the primary questions in this case, whether she is exaggerating her symptoms of the insanity defense," Gray said. "When you see malingering, there's a history someone may be doing pretty well then all of a sudden the symptoms pop up. In this case we see such a convincing history of psychosis (and) the progression from trauma to personality disorder to psychosis.". (Concord Monitor)
Amityville: Scamityville! May 31, 2008
Although William Weber, DeFeo s attorney, used an insanity defense, he was found guilty of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to twenty-five years to life in prison. Roots of the Hoax. (Suite101.com)
Plans for insanity defense pose thorny dilemmas May 30, 2008
(AP) - A judge says he'll decide next week whether a school shooting suspect can use an insanity defense when he goes to trial July 7. Judge Geoffrey Crawford heard arguments Thursday but didn't rule on prosecutors' bid to block Christopher Williams, 29, from claiming he was insane or suffered from diminished mental capacity during the Aug. 24, 2006 shooting spree in Essex, which killed two people and wounded two others. (WCAX.com, VT)
Rove, White House Dispute McClellan Book Tales May 29, 2008
Are they suggesting McClellan should seek the insanity defense. From Read Street. (Yahoo News -- Bush Administration)
U.S. District Court Judge Rules Panetti Competent May 29, 2008
However, the jury rejected his insanity defense and sentenced him to death. Panetti had been scheduled to die by lethal injection on Feb. 5, 2004, but a stay of execution was issued the day before by U.S. District Judge Sparks for the Western District of Texas, pending an examination to determine if he was competent to be executed. (Fredericksburg Standard Radio Post, TX)
Judge to Allow Some Statements by Williams May 28, 2008
Williams has indicated he will use an insanity defense. But there are no experts to testify on his behalf, and that means he will have to testify himself. (WCAX.com, VT)
Attorney: Rogers will plead insanity May 27, 2008
PALMER - The attorney for a Palmer man accused of using a machete to kill his father and a gun to shoot another man will raise an insanity defense. Public defender Matt Phillips appeared in court Friday on behalf of Christopher Erin Rogers Jr. in a pair of misdemeanor cases. (Juneau Empire)
Man's trail of violenceblamed on insanity acquittal May 27, 2008
INSANITY DEFENSE QUESTIONED. Dr. Abraham Halpern, professor emeritus of psychiatry at New York Medical College, and past president of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, said what happened to Heape is "a perfect example of why the insanity defense should be abolished." ... If the insanity defense were abolished, Halpern said the corrections system would be forced to "evolve to deal with them in a rational way.". (Daytona Beach News Journal)
A Look Back in Time: Pristine never lasts May 26, 2008
Casper Star-Tribune Online - Casper. Text Size Share This Story. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Rogers to plead insanity May 25, 2008
PALMER A Palmer man accused of killing his father with a machete and another man with a gun will raise an insanity defense. Friday, Christopher Erin Rogers Jr. appeared before Palmer District Court Judge John Wolfe to change his plea in a pair of misdemeanor cases one a petition to revoke his probation on a 2006 harassment case, the other a 2007 drunken driving case. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Jury selection begins in Sanders murder trial May 21, 2008
Defense attorneys Thomas Comer and John Ferrell presented an insanity defense for Sanders, who had a history of mental illness ... They will present the insanity defense again. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Prosecutor: War stress doesn't justify slaying May 21, 2008
As for an insanity defense that PTSD caused the slaying, he said, "The facts and the law just don't fit.". Martinez had previously shown his knife to his fellow soldiers and was trying to find a secluded place where he could commit the murder, Jackson told the court. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
GI Charged in Murder of Iraqi Family May Claim... May 16, 2008
Soldier Charged in Murder of Iraqi Family May Claim Insanity Defense ... A former Army soldier charged with murder and rape of a teen girl in Iraq may claim an insanity defense when the case goes to trial next year ... Thursday was the deadline for Green's lawyers to file their motions if they want to keep open the option of an insanity defense. (Fox News)
Former Texas Soldier May Use Insanity Defense May 16, 2008
(May 15, 2008)A former soldier who grew up in Texas may use an insanity defense when the case goes to trial on charges of murder and rape in Iraq. Attorneys for Steven D. Green, who's originally from Midland, offered details in two motions filed Thursday in federal court in Louisville, Ky. (KWTX.com, TX)
Use of taped conversations barred in student's trial May 15, 2008
Shapiro had asked Brassard to throw out the conversations as he moved forward with an insanity defense on behalf of the teenager, who appeared in court yesterday. Odgren, who has Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, which carries a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. (Boston Globe)
Insanity defense anticipated in Sitka slayings May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008. Story last updated at 5/14/2008 - 5:17 pm. (Juneau Empire)
Indictment in Auburn slaying May 15, 2008
Lockhart's attorneys say they are preparing an insanity defense. Vote for this story. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Suspect indicted in slaying of Auburn student from Ga. May 15, 2008
(AP) The suspect in the slaying of an Auburn University student was indicted Wednesday on charges of capital murder and his attorney has filed documents to prepare an insanity defense ... But he is preparing an insanity defense, filing court papers claiming Lockhart has a mental disease and "lacks the ability to understand the difference between right and wrong.". (AL.com)
Longview woman faces child rape charge May 11, 2008
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on May 10, 2008 9:43 AM:" Good Lord, "because she was curious"? Sounds like she's trying to set up an insanity defense. I hope they treat her as they would a male offender, and track down her "adult male friend" as well. Sickening. ". The rest of the story wrote on May 10, 2008 10:27 AM:" What about the man that raped the child while she watched? no mention is made of his arrest or even possible arrest. I hope he is not let off the hook and ever effort is made to find... (Longview Daily News, WA)
On stand, Nichols' judge says he can be fair at trial May 9, 2008
The defense plans an insanity defense in the Nichols case, Moore said. If Nichols is still found guilty, testimony by the victims' families could well decide whether a jury gives Nichols the death penalty. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Judge Hears Williams' Insanity Defense May 9, 2008
Lawyers for the alleged Essex school shooter will tell a judge their client plans to use an insanity defense ... But prosecutors will try to block the strategy, saying a number of deadlines have passed for using the insanity defense. (WCAX.com, VT)
* Suspects dungeon plans date back to the 1970s May 8, 2008
Fritzls lawyer, Rudolf Mayer, indicated he is preparing an insanity defense. This story has been viewed 255 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
'Horror House' Dad May Have Raped Granddaughter May 7, 2008
His lawyer, Rudolf Mayer, has said he is preparing an insanity defense. Chief investigator Franz Polzer said experts are continuing to sift through Fritzl's property for evidence, adding there may be more "hollow spaces" that need to be examined. (Fox News)
Police: 'Horror Dad' Made Secret Dungeon Plans in 1978 May 6, 2008
Fritzl's lawyer, Rudolf Mayer, indicated he is preparing an insanity defense. In a broadcast interview, Mayer said he believes Fritzl has a serious mental disorder and that anyone with that kind of psychological illness "didn't choose" to do what police allege he did. (Fox News)
Trial postponed for man in machete killings May 6, 2008
At a status hearing this afternoon, Palmer District Attorney Roman Kalytiak said two weeks might not be enough time to set aside for Rogers' trial, particularly if he presents an insanity defense ... Rogers was represented today by Sam Westergren of the public defender's office, who said an insanity defense is still a possibility ... After today's hearing Kalytiak said the length of the trial will be hard to predict because of the possible insanity defense and how that affects another trial in... (Anchorage Daily News)
Mental state questioned in sex abuse case May 6, 2008
Carroll County Times: Westminster, Maryland. WEATHER SPONSORED BY. (Carroll County Times, MD)
