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Defense attorney: Suspect in Milwaukee shooting plans insanity plea

By: Associated Press//August 2, 2012//

Defense attorney: Suspect in Milwaukee shooting plans insanity plea

By: Associated Press//August 2, 2012//

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MILWAUKEE (AP) — The lawyer for a Milwaukee man accused of shooting and killing his teenage neighbor over allegedly stolen guns says his client plans to use an insanity defense.

The suspect is 75-year-old John Spooner. His lawyer appeared on Spooner’s behalf at a court appearance Thursday.

Defense attorney Frank Gimbel said a mental-health professional who examined Spooner said he believes Spooner is suffering from mental disease.

Gimbel has until Aug. 16 to provide the doctor’s report to prosecutors, who will then decide whether to have their own doctors examine Spooner.

Judge Jeffrey Wagner also told prosecutors that his son is married to the defense attorney’s daughter. Wagner said he had no plans to recuse himself.

Prosecutor Denis Stingl said he’ll consult with his colleagues to determine whether to seek a recusal.

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