11-22-2013, 07:05 PM
(11-22-2013, 06:57 PM)crash Wrote:(11-22-2013, 06:53 PM)HairOfTheDog Wrote: The documents say he brought a box cutter, mask, gloves and multiple changes of clothing to school the day Ritzer was killed.
Surely it doesn't get any more premeditated than that? How will that affect a mental defect claim?
Yeah, looks like premeditation will be a slam dunk, unless the defense can show that he always brought those items with him to school (for soccer, shop class, etc...).
Mentally defective people plan ahead of time a lot, but unlike others, their planning is often based on irrational fears and scenarios that exist only in their minds.
So, I don't think premeditation would hurt a "mental defect" defense. But, if premeditation is proven, it would render a "crime of passion / snapped" defense invalid. IMO.