Highway shootings suspect claims insanity
Schizophrenia said to prompt string of 20 shootings, 1 killing
Video: Crime & courts |
Police recover stolen safe in Florida double murder case July 16: Police recovered the safe stolen from the Billings home as well as what they believe to be the second vehicle used in the robbery. NBC's Brian Williams reports. |
On the run |
The U.S. Marshals want your help finding their "15 Most Wanted" fugitives, a notorious list of suspects fleeing everything from murder and robbery to child sex charges. To date, about 200 of the fugitives profiled on the list have been found. Tips leading to an arrest are rewarded up to $25,000. Click here to see the fugitives. |
![]() |
Breaking news alerts (about 1 per day) |
Find more alerts at alerts.msnbc.com |
COLUMBUS, Ohio - A man charged in a deadly string of highway shootings in Ohio pleaded innocent by reason of insanity Wednesday.
Charles A. McCoy Jr., 29, suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, according to court documents and his attorneys. They said psychiatrists found evidence McCoy did not understand right from wrong when the shootings took place.
McCoy has had the illness, which is characterized by delusions and hallucinations, for at least 10 years, defense attorney Mark Collins said. Before his arrest, McCoy went long periods of time without taking his medication, Collins said.
Prosecutors did not immediately return calls for comment.
McCoy previously pleaded innocent. On Tuesday, a judge ruled he was competent to stand trial.
McCoy could be sentenced to death if convicted of murder in the slaying of a 62-year-old woman in November. She was the only person hit in the more than 20 shootings that occurred mostly around the Interstate 270 beltway on the city’s south side from October through February.
His trial is set for Jan. 7.
McCoy was captured in March in Las Vegas. He came to authorities’ attention after someone — authorities will not say who — called police to say McCoy’s father had guns belonging to his son. The father gave police the guns.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS |
| Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: |
Boost your career with an online Degree. Pick from Leading Colleges!
www.EarnMyDegree.com
Sponsored links
Resource guide


