GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A man who allegedly killed two of his relatives pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect Friday.
Oscar Lemus-Franco, 29, faces two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for the Sept. 28 incident at a residence on Clement Street. Gerson Alvarez-Franco and Jaime Lemus, both relatives of Lemus-Franco, were shot and killed.
No trial date was set. He returns to court May 21 for a final conference.
Friday’s plea means the defense is raising the issue of Lemus-Franco’s mental state at the time of the alleged crime. If the court or a jury found him guilty of the murders, a second trial phase would determine if Lemus-Franco should be held criminally responsible due to his mental condition. If “yes,” he would be sentenced to prison. If “no,” he would be committed for psychiatric treatment.
Previously, a psychiatric exam in this case determined Lemus-Franco was competent to stand trial, which means he understands the proceedings and can assist in own defense.
Lemus-Franco also faces charges for allegedly stabbing a police officer in the face following his arrest. He remains in custody on a $1 million cash bond.
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