Laghaoui is accused of wounding his father, a sheriff’s deputy and firing at a neighbor and into two apartments on June 9, prompting a lengthy manhunt and lockdown of the Landen area.
On Wednesday, Laghaoui's lawyer, Timothy McKenna, requested a competency evaluation and hearing on a possible not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity plea in the case.
“Counsel has doubts as to defendant’s competency to stand trial, including an incapability to assist in his defense and to understand the nature of the proceedings against him,” McKenna said in a motion filed Wednesday in Warren County Common Pleas Court.
McKenna was appointed on July 6 by Judge Michael Gilb.
“Mr. Laghaoui appeared confused and disoriented as to the alleged events in the case. Further, based on counsel’s interaction with the defendant, counsel has a good faith belief that there may be a not guilty by reason of insanity defense,” McKenna added in the motion.
During a press conference on July 5 announcing the 10-count indictment in Warren County Common Pleas Court, Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell downplayed the likelihood of a successful not guilty by reason of insanity plea in the case.
During his initial hearing in Mason Municipal Court, Laghaoui challenged the allegations and asked the magistrate for help in preventing the freezing of his bank accounts.
“We need to start talking about this type of stuff before you go and judge it,” Laghaoui said despite admonitions from the magistrate about making incriminating statements.
A pretrial hearing is set for July 20 in Warren County Common Pleas Court.
About the Author
