Man suspected in 11 Cleveland deaths takes back plea of not guilty by reason of insanity
By APThursday, January 7, 2010
Cleveland bodies suspect withdraws insanity plea
CLEVELAND — A Cleveland man charged with killing 11 women and hiding their remains in and around his home has withdrawn his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.
Anthony Sowell’s plea was changed to not guilty during a pretrial hearing on Wednesday. Defense attorney John Parker tells The Plain Dealer newspaper that the switch was made after the judge asked if Sowell could be sent to a psychiatric clinic for evaluation.
Parker says it’s too early for that because the defense still doesn’t have Sowell’s military, medical or prison records. He tells the paper the plea could be changed back to not guilty by reason of insanity once Sowell’s attorneys have all the information.
A message seeking further comment was left for Parker early Thursday.
