Schaffhausen attorney: Stop mental health visits

By: Associated Press//September 19, 2012//

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HUDSON, Wis. (AP) — The attorney for the man accused of killing his three young daughters is asking a court to stop a mental health professional from visiting the defendant in the St. Croix County Jail.

Attorney John Kucinski argues in appeal papers that the mental health worker is an “agent of the state” and that the repeated visits violate Aaron Schaffhausen’s constitutional rights. Kucinski said the prosecutor and jail staff are working together to document information about Schaffhausen that can be used against him. He argues the documentation may hurt an insanity defense if they decide to pursue it.

The Star Tribune reports Kucinski has cited a sheriff’s sergeant memo directing jailers to document Schaffhausen’s behavior, visits and interactions. The Minot, N.D., carpenter is charged with killing 11-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophia and 5-year-old Cecilia Schaffhausen.

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