Monfort will plead not guilty by reason of insanity in 2009 Halloween shooting

Christopher Monfort, the man suspected of shooting and killing SPD Officer Timothy Brenton at 29th and Yesler Halloween 2009, will plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

Monfort is facing murder and attempted murder charges after he allegedly pulled up next to Brenton’s stopped car and fired. Officer Britt Sweeney was also wounded in the incident.

From the Seattle Times:

Christopher Monfort’s lawyers have notified King County Superior Court that he will plead not guilty by reason of insanity. Monfort, 42, is facing the death penalty if he’s convicted of the ambush slaying of  Brenton.

“With respect to the charges, Mr. Monfort, due to a mental disease or defect, was unable to determine right from wrong [at the time of the shooting],” Carl Luer, one of Monfort’s  defense lawyers, said in an interview on Monday.

On Friday, Monfort’s defense team filed notice in King County Superior Court that their client is pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.

The King County Prosecutor’s Office declined Monday to comment on the Monfort case.

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