Defendants Judged ‘Guilty But Mentally Ill’ Still Face Harsh Legal Penalties
NPR's Shots continues its report on the use of the "not guilty by reason of insanity" plea.
NPR:
'Guilty But Mentally Ill' Doesn't Protect Against Harsh Sentences
On the morning of May 14, 2013, while it was still dark, Suzanna Simpson strapped on a headlamp and shot her husband. She then shot and killed her two children, ages 5 and 7. Afterward, Simpson, 35, drove her car off the road near her home in Dacusville, S.C., and into a tree, in what she would later say was a suicide attempt. A neighbor called the police. The same day, Simpson admitted to the shootings. (Her husband was severely injured, but not dead.) Simpson also shared her motives: The world was evil, so by killing her family, Simpson had sent them to a better place. (Jacewicz, 8/2)