Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lawyer in stabbing case seeks girl’s mental record

By: Associated Press//July 17, 2014//

Lawyer in stabbing case seeks girl’s mental record

By: Associated Press//July 17, 2014//

Listen to this article

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — An attorney for one of two 12-year-old Wisconsin girls accused of stabbing a classmate to curry favor with a fictional online character is seeking access to the other girl’s mental health records.

One girl, represented by attorney Anthony Cotton, has been found mentally incompetent by two doctors. Prosecutors have been granted a hearing Aug. 1 to challenge that conclusion.

Attorney Joseph Smith Jr. represents the other girl. He filed a motion Tuesday seeking access to the co-defendant’s competency-evaluation reports.

Smith said the records aren’t related to private patient care that the girl initiated, and thus her confidentiality rights are outweighed by his client’s need to have the reports to prepare for further hearings.

The judge in the case will decide on the request. Cotton didn’t immediately return a message Thursday.

Polls

Should Steven Avery be granted a new evidentiary hearing?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Legal News

See All Legal News

WLJ People

Sea all WLJ People

Opinion Digests