Shooting trial postponed as defense pursues insanity plea

With a possible insanity defense looming, a McHenry County judge reluctantly agreed Thursday to postpone the upcoming trial of a man charged with shooting his ex-wife during a car chase through a Lake in the Hills neighborhood last year.

The court-appointed attorney for Edward Johncours said he needs more time to consult with psychiatrists about the possibility of his client being legally insane when authorities say he shot his former wife in the head and then tried to take his own life.

Johncours, 67, of Southwest suburban Montgomery, was scheduled to face trial Feb. 25 for attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated domestic battery and violating an order of protection stemming from the April 2 shooting that left ex-wife Gloria Johncours hospitalized for more than three weeks recovering from a bullet wound to the head.

"Given my client's age, if he's found guilty he's facing a life sentence," Senior Assistant Public Defender Richard Behof said Thursday while seeking the continuance. "It's my responsibility to exhaust every avenue for a defense."

Although one psychologist has found Johncours mentally fit to stand trial, Behof is seeking the opinion of two other mental health professionals who will review whether the defendant was sane at the time of the shooting. To be legally insane under Illinois law, a person must not be able to understand he is committing a criminal act or be able to stop himself from committing the act.

County prosecutors objected to the continuance, arguing that it is too late with witnesses already scheduled to appear and the victim eager to have her day in court.

"Mrs. Johncours wants a resolution to this case," Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Donna Kelly said.

Judge Sharon Prather granted the delay, however, citing the seriousness of the charges against Johncours and the stiff punishment he faces if convicted. Instead of going to trial Feb. 25, Johncours instead will appear in court Feb. 28 for a status update on his meetings with psychiatrists.

Witnesses to the shooting said Johncours chased his former wife through a Lake in the Hills neighborhood before pulling his car alongside hers near the intersection of Miller and Haligus roads and firing as many as five shots from a handgun.

Authorities believe the shooting was the result of ongoing hostility from the couple's divorce several years earlier.

Johncours remains in custody at the McHenry County jail without bond.