CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Prosecutors are urging a judge to reject an insanity defense and convict Matthew Schleier of first-degree murder in the death of his 5-year-old son Jack, arguing that despite his mental illness, he knew his actions were wrong.
In a rebuttal brief filed in Linn County District Court Monday, the State of Iowa said Schleier’s own statements and behavior show he understood both the nature of his actions and their consequences.
The defense has argued Schleier should be found not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming he was unable to distinguish right from wrong at the time of the killing. Under Iowa law, that standard requires proof that a mental condition rendered the defendant incapable of understanding the act or its wrongfulness…