Teen Suspect In San Mateo School Bombing Plot Pleads Insanity
REDWOOD CITY (AP) -- A teenager accused of detonating two pipe bombs at a San Mateo high school last year has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
18-year-old Alex Youshock added the insanity plea during a court appearance on Tuesday, according to prosecutors. He had previously pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges.
His trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 31.
Prosecutors say Youshock went to Hillsdale High School, his former school, on Aug. 24, 2009 armed with pipe bombs, a sword and a chain saw and intending to kill as many people as possible.
He allegedly set off two bombs before he was tackled by a teacher. No one was injured.
Youshock's new plea means if he is found guilty, the trial will move into a second phase in which jurors will have to determine his mental state.
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