News: Brooklyn Boy’s Murderer Found Competent
(Long Island, N.Y.) The thirty-five-year-old man arrested for killing an eight-year-old boy from Borough Park, Brooklyn was found competent to stand trial. He was arranged at the State Supreme Court in Brooklyn and appeared at the second floor courtroom with his team of lawyers. Reports stated that he made a ten minute appearance, being found fit to undergo the processes of the law.
According to sources, he was evaluated at Bellevue Hospital where his mental state was determined. He had undergone a psychiatric exam by experts in the field. The exam was requested by his defense team, and the results determined that he was competent to face the charges against him.
This information was revealed in court on Thursday. Reports stated that a competent verdict means that the defendant understands the charges against him and what he did to promote them. He also needed to understand the proceedings of the case itself, and what will be asked of him at his trial.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, including an eight-count indictment and first-degree murder for the death of the eight-year-old boy. He was represented by one male and one female lawyer. His previous lawyer stepped down from the case after feeling the moral conflict in representing his client.
Reports stated that the change in counsel could have caused more time to elapse in the case proceedings. The defendant was dressed in an orange jumpsuit during his brief court appearance. He appeared to be balding and sported heavy facial hair while being represented by the new attorneys.
The defendant’s hands and feet were bound in shackles, and reports stated that his lawyers requested that he stay at Bellevue during the proceedings. They allegedly argued that the place would offer him safety and be useful for his continued evaluations. Experts will remain probing his mental state, giving feedback to possibly aid in his defense.
Sources also claimed that the defendant’s team of lawyers will request a change in venue. They argued that he will not receive a fair trial in Brooklyn, being that the community has become heavily involved in the case. It hasn’t been determined where a fair trial can be conducted, and news of the boy’s murder has since been covered within the national media.
The defendant’s next court date is scheduled for October 14th. Reports stated that the change in venue will be requested by his attorneys at his next appearance. Sources claimed that they are still considering employing an insanity defense, and many believe that the trail will be determined by a battle between council and the testimonies of experts.
