Wayne Treacy Update: Opening statements to begin in Fla. teen attack trial
(CBS/AP) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Opening statements are set to begin Monday for Florida teenager Wayne Treacy, accused in the brutal 2010 attack on Josie Lou Ratley outside Deerfield Beach Middle School.
Pictures: Josie Lou Ratley, Steel-Toed Attack Victim
Defense lawyers say 17-year-old Treacy suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his brother's recent suicide. Ratley told Treacy in one of several rude text messages between them to go be with his dead brother.
Treacy, who has pleaded not guilty in the attack, faces a potential 50-year prison sentence if convicted of first-degree attempted murder for kicking and stomping Ratley outside the middle school. The attack caused permanent brain injuries.
Experts say insanity defenses rarely succeed because it's hard to convince jurors a defendant couldn't tell right from wrong. There's evidence Treacy carefully planned the attack.
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