Murder (2nd Degree) - Superior Court - Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

YK, a 29-year-old man with Schizophrenia, killed his father. Initially he was charged with 1st degree murder. Approximately 2.5 years later, he was found not guilty following a "bench trial." A bench trial is a trial by judge with no jury.

In 2021, YK was experiencing sustained delusions, hallucinations, and other symptoms of Schizophrenia. His behavior had been deteriorating for approximately two years leading up to the murder. He had never been diagnosed with a mental illness prior to this incident, nor had he ever been charged with a crime or been prone to violence.

The night before the incident, YK told his mother that he believed his father was a blood-sucking, anti-christ figure who moved at supernatural speed and was there to kill them. YK sent text messages and posted on social media similar delusional expressions, including tributes to certain celebrities. The next morning, YK stabbed his father in the neck, killing him. YK made no attempt to hide the stabbing. He made no attempt to flee. When questioned by police, YK told a nonsensical story consistent with a profile of Schizophrenia. Over the course of the next two years, several mental health professional evaluated YK. All opined that YK suffered from a "mental disease or defect." More importantly, two court-approved psychologists opined that YK was Schizophrenic and that YK's Schizophrenia substantially impaired his capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness (criminality) of his actions.

The outcome of this case was made possible by the fact that the two expert psychologists - one from the defense, and one from the prosecution - agreed that YK was not criminally responsible. Because of the shared opinion, the prosecutors reduced the charge from 1st Degree Murder to 2nd Degree Murder. By reducing the charge to 2nd Degree Murder, YK was able to "waive" his right to a jury trial and proceed by a bench trial. Under Massachusetts law, a defendant charged with 1st Degree Murder may not have a bench trial. Had the experts' opinions diverged, then the case would have remained charged as 1st Degree Murder, necessitating a jury trial and significantly reducing the chances of an acquittal.

Following the verdict of Not Guilty, YK was civilly committed to the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.