Young’s Lawyer Files Notice Of Insanity Defense

BUTLER (PA)-Accused area arsonist Jonathan Young’s lawyer recently filed a notice of insanity defense in Butler County Court. 

Court records obtained by WNYNewsNow show Young’s attorney, Maura Palumbi, filed notices for Mental Infirmity or Mental Defense and of Expert Evidence for Illness(es) May 22nd.

The teen was ordered to have an evaluation May 18th by Judge William Shaffer.

Young is accused of setting a Slippery Rock Township residence ablaze in March.

He also allegedly stole a vehicle from Pine Grove Township (Warren County, separate court case).

Here is the Commonwealth’s rule regarding the Notice for Mental Infirmity and Insanity: The notice shall contain specific available information as to the nature and extent of the alleged insanity or mental infirmity, the period of time that the defendant allegedly suffered from such insanity or mental infirmity, and the names and addresses of witnesses, expert or otherwise, whom the defendant intends to call to establish such defense.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also describes the Notice of Expert Evidence for Illness: The notice shall contain specific available information as to the nature and extent of the alleged mental disease or defect or any other mental condition, the period of time that the defendant allegedly suffered from such mental disease or defect or any other mental condition, and the names and addresses of the expert witness(es) whose evidence the defendant intends to introduce.

Young’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday at 1 P.M. WNYNewsNow will be on hand for the hearing.

The 19-year-old area native is also accused of setting 12 different fires within the Jamestown/Falconer area.