Experts for defense, prosecution split on if man charged in Iowa coach killing was insane

Experts differ on man’s sanity in Iowa coach death

ALLISON, Iowa — Experts brought in by prosecutors and the defense have offered conflicting opinions about whether a man charged with fatally shooting an Iowa football coach was sane at the time.

Before resting their case, defense attorneys called on experts Monday. Psychiatrist Phillip Resnick testified that 24-year-old Mark Becker is a paranoid schizophrenic who believed coach Ed Thomas was “literally Satan.” Resnick said Becker didn’t understand the consequences of the shooting last June.

Psychiatrist Michael Spodak, a prosecution witness, said the choices Becker made the morning of the shooting show his actions did not equal Iowa’s definition of insanity.

Becker’s mental state has been key to his trial on first-degree murder charges. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.