SEATTLE, June 23 (UPI) -- Attorneys representing Seattle Pacific University shooter Aaron Ybarra filed a motion of intent to pursue insanity defense after Ybarra pleaded not guilty on Monday.
Ybarra is charged with one count of premeditated first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of second-degree assault for the June 5 shooting at Seattle Pacific University.
Although his attorneys are not disputing any of the prosecution's assertions about the details of the shooting, Ybarra pleaded not guilty, and his legal team formally filed a motion of intent to pursue insanity defense. The motion to file does not mean they definitely will plead insanity.
"It's a defense we are definitely investigating," Defense attorney Ramona Brandes told the Seattle Times. "But we need much more information from the prosecution to know if it is a viable option."
"He wasn't on his meds and he committed an action that is incomprehensible. Had he been on his meds, would this have happened? We'll continue asking that for all time."
If convicted, Ybarra faces 69 years to life in prison.
