When someone is charges with a serious crime there may be multiple approaches that can be taken to defend oneself. While many individuals will enter a not guilty plea, others will admit that they committed the crime but try to offer up mitigating factors as a way to avoid a conviction. A man charged in the death of two El Paso women tried that approach last month.
The reason offered to account for the man’s actions is that he has a “broken brain.”
Most would likely agree that certain instances from his past would support that contention. According to his attorney, the man was living with a schizoid disorder as well as severe chronic depression. Just days before he killed the two women, he had attempted suicide. When he encountered the first woman, he was extremely upset and wanted again to take his life. Following the attacks on the women, he cut his wrist.
Other things the man endured in his life include verbal and sexual abuse at the hands of family members. The man’s lawyer sought a not guilty verdict due to insanity. In his opening statement described his client’s brain as missing wiring.
Deciding on this route as a way to defend oneself is not done every day. Accused individuals are more likely to either assert their innocence or admit guilt in exchange for lighter consequences than what might otherwise be ordered. Because the outcome of any criminal case is always unknown, it is almost always a good idea to seek the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer.
Source: Inquisitr, “‘Broken Brain’ Defense Used In El Paso Random Double Slaying Trial,” Jonathan Vankin, Jan. 22, 2014