Tenn. Church Shooting Suspect Eyes Insanity Plea

SelectPlusTenn. Church Shooting Suspect Eyes Insanity PleaTenn. Church Shooting Suspect Eyes Insanity PleaThe Associated PressAn unemployed truck driver accused in a fatal church shooting plans an insanity defense for the rampage that left two people dead and six wounded. (Aug. 7)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:Adkisson in court - WATE]It looks like the man accused of opening fire in a Tennessee church last month might be thinking about an insanity defense.Jim Adkisson was in court Wednesday, sporting a sling on his right arm. He waived a preliminary hearing. His lawyer says that's an effort to lay the groundwork for an insanity plea.The idea is to get Adkisson evaluated as soon as possible. SOT: Mark Stephens, Public Defender: "The question will be what was Mr. Adkissons mental status two Sundays ago? The further we get away from that date the more difficult the assessment process is." [Notes:various of scene - AP Material] Prosecutors say the unemployed truck driver killed two people and wounded six when he walked in during a children's play and started shooting.Members of the congregation tackled Adkisson and held him until authorities arrived. His attorney says that's how his elbow was injured.Adkisson's lawyer says the insanity approach may be risky since no modern jury in the state has found a defendant guilty by reason of insanity in a contested case. He's working to get prosecutors to agree. [Notes:adkisson in court - WATE]Adkisson faces one count of first degree murder for now...and he's being held on a million dollar bond. ___ ___, The Associated Press

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• church
• shooting
• tenn.
• suspect
• eyes
• insanity
• plea

[MrROTD]

Religion is whacked out, I bet he was made insane listening to that garbage.

[MattTaylor1981]

I want this man hung, and i want the pundits that incited him to do this put in jail.

[SHARON1225]

I want justice.