Question

Case: J.R. was arrested 3 days ago because he is accused of murdering his wife. At approximately 2:42 am on that night, neighbors of J.R. called police because they heard screaming coming from inside the house. Upon arrival, police found a gruesome scene – J.R.’s wife was found dead inside of bathtub in the master bathroom. She had been stabbed 38 times. The murder weapon, a switchblade, was found inside of a plastic bag at the bottom of the bathroom garbage can. J.R. was found sitting in the family room at the back of the house wearing gardening gloves. There was some blood splatter on the sleeves of his shirt. His eyes were open but he was staring blankly ahead, almost as if in a trance. The police had to call to him three times before he looked over at them.

He was brought to the police station for questioning. When he arrived at the police station, he asked to see/speak to his wife. Upon hearing that his wife was deceased, he broke down sobbing. When questioned, he denied any knowledge of the brutal murder (e.g., he didn’t hear or see anything) and indicated he was unsure why he was being questioned. J.R. claims that he “must have been sleepwalking” at the time of the murder and has no memory about what happened. He had reported that he had taken a prescribed sleeping pill earlier that evening because he was experiencing severe insomnia. So as not to disturb his wife with his tossing-and-turning, he had chosen to sleep on the couch in the family room. A review of recent medical records indicated that he has a history of sleepwalking and has been experiencing severe stress related to his job and finances.

Ultimate Question:

Should J.R. be found guilty of murder or not guilty by reason of insanity? In other words, do you think J.R. committed homicide (and is trying to “play it off” as unintentional) OR do you think this is a legitimate condition and he should not be held legally responsible for what occurred?

Answer 1

I consider that J.R. committed homicide and is trying to "play off" as unintentional. As it has already been mentioned that he had a history of sleep walking and psychological problems related to job and finance issues, the evidence at the crime scene is highly indicative of the other aspects like his sleeves being drained with blood, (here lies the contradiction) because he is found saying that he has not heard of the murder, he was not aware of his wife being dead, though he was not found sleeping on the couch, was sitting wearing his garden glove, If he isnt resposnible for the muredr and was nt aware then how did the blood come on his sleeves? as he said that until the police told him, he was not even aware that his wife is dead. This somehow directs towards this being a case of psychopath who has not been diagnosed properly yet, or he is suffering from some other serious psychological disorder which would have led him to commit such heinous crime in the rage of fury or under the trance state of mental disorder, which he might be suffering from.

Interrogation and help of psychologist, psychiatrists can further reveal the correct state and if found insane he might be proclaimed to be not guilty but must necessarily be put under rehabilitation or psychological care for the benefit of other members of society.