Man Charged With Killing Mom Plans Insanity Defense

The lawyer for an Orange, Connecticut, man fatally beating his mother last year has indicated that he intends to pursue an insanity defense.

The New Haven Register reports that 23-year-old Timothy Granata's lawyer has filed a "notice of intention to rely upon the affirmative defense of mental disease or defect."

Granata made a brief court appearance Thursday.

He has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the July death of 58-year-old Dr. Claudia Granata in the family home.

The prosecution has received two defense reports on Granata's mental health. The state must decide whether to agree with the defense experts' conclusions or get its own team.

Granata was arrested the day of the slaying. He was found competent to face legal proceedings Dec. 29 after a competency evaluation.