Man can reject insanity defence in ex-girlfriend’s slaying

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. – An Indiana judge has ruled a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and eating parts of her body can reject an insanity defence.

Joseph Oberhansley is accused of killing and mutilating 46-year-old Tammy Jo Blanton in Jeffersonville in 2014. He faces trial on Aug. 19.

Oberhansley filed a motion last month to withdraw the insanity defence, which defence attorneys promoted in January. The 38-year-old Oberhansley told the judge he felt using the defence would admit guilt and is unlikely to work.

In a ruling filed Tuesday, Clark County Circuit Court Judge Vicki Carmichael used related case law to support her finding on the importance of allowing a defendant to make decisions on key elements of the case.

Defence attorney Brent Westerfeld declined to comment on the ruling Wednesday.