Insanity defense likely in murder case

• Attorneys for a Portland man accused of killing his wife might pursue an insanity defense.
• Richard Straley, 53, is accused of fatally stabbing his 58-year-old spouse, Connie, on March 18.
• Judge Brian Hutchison on Friday agreed to have two mental health professionals examine Straley.

PORTLAND – Lawyers for a Portland man accused of fatally stabbing his wife have taken the steps necessary to pursue an insanity defense.

Richard A. Straley, 53, is charged with murder in the March 18 slaying of his 58-year-old wife, Connie.

A Portland police officer wrote that “Richard stabbed Connie in the neck” during an argument in their home, at 719 S. Shank St.

The mortally wounded woman staggered to a neighbor’s apartment and collapsed. She later was pronounced dead at Jay County Hospital.

Authorities said Richard Straley, his clothes drenched in blood, was seated at a picnic table when officers arrived, and asked, “I killed her, didn’t I?”

Public defenders Joelle Freiburger and Robert Beymer this week filed a “notice of defense of mental disease or defect.”

At a Friday hearing, Jay Circuit Court Brian Hutchison agreed to have two mental health professionals examine Straley, who is being held without bond in the Jay County jail.

A murder conviction carries a maximum 65-year prison term. Jay County Prosecutor Wes Schemenaur has also charged Straley — with prior convictions for burglary and battery resulting in serious bodily injury — with being a habitual substance offender.

Contact news reporter Douglas Walker at (765) 213-5851. You can also follow him on Twitter @DouglasWalkerSP.