The Queens community is in an uproar after a mysterious woman’s body was discovered stuffed in a plastic bag and hidden in a basement. According to initial reports, authorities are currently investigating the situation and have levied charges against the homeowner’s son.
Authorities also stated that the body was discovered by the homeowner as he was doing a little summer cleaning in the basement. The homeowner reported smelling something strange before pulling up some plywood boards. Once he did so, he found a large hole. Upon further searching, he found the body bag. The homeowner immediately reached out to police, and his son was taken into custody the moment he returned home.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, it’s suspected that the woman’s body may have been the homeowner’s son’s ex-girlfriend. The homeowner’s son sadly suffers from schizophrenia. His former ex-girlfriend was also diagnosed with schizophrenia and disappeared about four months ago.
While the son has been questioned, he’s also been sent to a hospital for an evaluation. The only charges he is facing so far are tampering with evidence and concealing a human corpse.
Schizophrenia and Criminal Liability: Is the Insanity Defense Valid?
It’s devastating when crimes happen, but it’s even more tragic when violence stems from a person’s incapacity to understand what they’re doing. Considering the suspect might have been suffering from schizophrenia for years, it’s very possible that he suffered significant cognitive impairment. Medical reports show that schizophrenia impacts a person’s ability to control impulses, make good judgments, and experience genuine empathy. As a result, schizophrenia is often associated with diminished or abolished criminal responsibility. Why is that?
According to New York law, individuals can’t be held criminally liable for their actions if they lacked the capacity to know or understand the severity of their actions due to a mental disease or defect.
Medical conditions, specifically including schizophrenia, can be considered relevant evidence to prove that the person did not have the capacity to understand the gravity of their actions. It’s not the only condition that’s often used for this type of defense, though. Other conditions cited regularly include:
- Bipolar
- Schizoid personality disorder
- Paranoid personality disorder
- PTSD
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Delusional disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
This list is far from exclusive, though. It’s necessary to hire a good lawyer if you’re considering pursuing this type of defense strategy, as it’s very difficult to prove.
Are You Looking for a Criminal Defense Attorney in New York?
Do you believe your loved one committed a crime unwillingly and unknowingly due to their existing medical conditions? Do you believe that an insanity defense would be beneficial for them? If so, then it’s important to help your loved one understand the importance of hiring a criminal defense lawyer to represent them in court.
We have ample experience representing individuals considering the insanity defense in New York. Leave your contact details on our online form or call us directly at (800) 601-0207 to learn more about how we can help.
