Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Teen stands trial in fatal school stabbing
MIAMI (WSVN) -- An evidentiary hearing began yesterday in the case of a teen accused of stabbing his former friend and classmate to death two years ago.
On Feb. 3, 2004, police say the then 12-year-old Michael Hernandez stabbed Jaime Gough, 14, more than 40 times in a bathroom stall at Southwood Middle School.
Defense attorney Richard Rosenbaum argues that although Hernandez confessed to committing the crime, attorneys did not properly identify themselves during the confession, so it is inadmissible testimony in court.
In March, Rosenbaum tried to prove that Hernandez suffered from a delusional mental disorder to which prosecutors counteracted. The judge eventually decided that although he thought the teen did suffer from some type of mental dysfunction, he is competent enough to continue with the trial.
Parents of both teens were present in court.
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