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Insanity defense planned for man accused of Illinois killing

Posted February 16, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

WOODSTOCK, Ill. (AP) - Court documents show attorneys plan to use an insanity defense for a man accused of killing a Northern Illinois woman last year.

The Northwest Herald (http://bit.ly/1ySmMrr ) reports 50-year-old Howard E. Dibbern has denied charges against him, including first-degree murder, concealing a homicide and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Authorities say he beat and stabbed 48-year-old Karen M. Scavelli and broke her neck in her Island Lake home.

A public defender says Dibbern's attorneys will essentially argue he was insane at the time, but will not say that he killed Scavelli.

Defense attorneys did not disclose the results of a psychological examination they ordered for Dibbern, while prosecutors have ordered one of their own. His next court appearance is set for March 3.

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Information from: The Northwest Herald, http://www.nwherald.com

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