News: Possible Insanity Defense For Boy’s Murderer
(Long Island, N.Y.) The thirty-five-year-old man arrested for the murder of an eight-year-old boy from Borough Park, Brooklyn pleaded not guilty to the charges. It’s likely that his team of lawyers will mount an insanity defense in the upcoming proceedings of his trial. He is due in court this fall, and followers of the case have questioned whether the defense will be rendered credible.
Reports stated that one aspect of the insanity defense could involve the medications he has taken. His team of lawyers may argue that the medications, some of which may have been prescribed, could have impaired his mental state prior to committing the murder. He has been accused of giving the eight-year-old a cocktail of medications prior to his death.
The defendant’s lawyers claimed to have been happy with the decision, stating that they can now proceed with the case since their client has been determined competent to stand trial. The Brooklyn District Attorney stated that he will not be accepting any form of plea bargain from the defense. He also claimed that he wishes to bring the case to trial as soon as possible.
The defense lawyers were presented with questions concerning their position in the case; they allegedly explained that by defending the rights of their client, they also defend the rights of fellow citizens. Sources claimed that dozens of bags of evidence were collected by investigators from the defendant’s home. At least one bag contained a pillow, spoon, and cup in addition to children’s clothing and other items that may add to the mounting evidence.
According to reports, the trial could take as long as a year, and Thursday marked the defendant’s second court appearance since his arrest for the murder of the eight-year-old boy. Members of the Hasidic community of Borough Park allegedly showed in support of the boy, but were not present in the courtroom. It’s uncertain whether they will attend future court proceedings.
As part of a possible insanity defense, the defendant’s team of lawyers has claimed that he has suffered from psychiatric disorders. Reports stated that it could take months to evaluate him properly in a hospital setting. Sources claimed that he hears voices and often employs music to drown them out.
One of the voices allegedly told the defendant that he should take his own life after doing what he did to the boy. Another informed police and authorities on the case that he became famous after the incident. Reports stated that the defendant had a liking for karaoke and attended certain establishments and bars on Long Island.
One establishment, called the South Levittown Lanes bowling alley, employed bartenders that recognized the defendant. Regular customers also claimed to have known him, stating that he attended the scheduled karaoke events. Some stated that he often appeared antisocial.
