Connecticut prom-day stabbing suspect faces another psychiatric review ahead of insanity defense

MILFORD, Conn. (WABC) -- A judge has ordered a Connecticut teenager accused of stabbing a classmate to death on the day of their prom to be examined by psychiatrists for the state after his lawyers announced they were pursuing an insanity defense.

Seventeen-year-old Christopher Plaskon appeared Tuesday in Milford Superior Court for a pre-trial hearing. He is charged with murder in the slaying of 16-year-old Maren Sanchez in a hallway at Jonathan Law High School in Milford in April 2014.

Shackled and wearing an orange jumpsuit too large for him, Plaskon was brought into the courtroom where his attorney said he is seeking an insanity defense, and revealing in court papers, "He is suffering from a mental disease or defect and/or extreme emotional disturbance."

"Things that occurred around his arrest made it clear to us that it was appropriate that we should inquire and look into this," said defense attorney Richard Meehan.

At the time of the stabbing, police said they were looking into whether the attack was related to Sanchez's refusal to go to the junior prom as Plaskon's date.

"We are mourning her death," said the victim's cousin Ed Kovak. "And we are trying as a community to understand this senseless loss of life."

Months later as her family watches the defense's new strategy, they want to make sure she is front and center as the case moves forward.

"She must remain in the hearts and minds of the decision makers at all times so there is accountability for her death and for justice," said family attorney Anthony Bonadies.

But instead of a traditional jury hearing the case, defense lawyers are seeking a trial before a three-judge panel.

"The average juror finds it very difficult, particularly in very dramatic situations, to get beyond the details of the crime to get to the question of the mental status," said Meehan.

The state's attorney, Kevin Lawlor, also now wants Plaskon to undergo a psychiatric examination. "We're not dropping the charges, so the only two ways it resolves is that A, with a trial, or B, with a plea," said Lawlor.

A judge is giving Lawlor until July 7 to have that review completed.

Plaskon's lawyers declined to discuss the findings of the defense's mental health experts. They have said that Plaskon was taking anti-psychotic medication.

Sanchez, a member of the National Honor Society who was active in drama and other school activities, had been focused on the prom in the days before her death. She had posted a photograph on Facebook of her blue prom dress and was looking forward to attending with a new boyfriend.

Authorities say Plaskon attacked Sanchez in a hallway on a Friday morning on the day of the prom, fatally stabbing her in the neck and torso. Afterward, Plaskon told a police officer, "I did it. Just arrest me," according to police.

Plaskon, who is detained on $3 million bail, is being tried as an adult and faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted of murder. If found not guilty by reason of insanity, he could be detained for 60 years at the state's only maximum-security psychiatric hospital in Middletown or possibly released years earlier if doctors determine he is no longer a danger to himself or others.

Plaskon pleaded not guilty last year and chose a trial before a three-judge panel instead of a jury. While jury verdicts must be unanimous, a three-judge panel can reach a verdict with a split 2-1 vote.

(Some information from the Associated Press.)