Teen accused of killing 14-year-old complains of mental illness

Plunkett is charged with four counts, including “killing willfully and with malice aforethought”[ing] another human being.

Wearing a red jumpsuit and handcuffed by a belly chain, the ninth-grade defendant entered the courtroom and sat stoically as his attorney pleaded, “Not guilty by reason of mental illness.”

The process now moves to a medical assessment which will be carried out by the public hospital. Defense counsel, the prosecution and the judge will hold a conference to establish the agreed terms of the evaluation, which could delay the trial date and force Plunkett to waive his right to a “speedy trial,” he said. explained Judge Catherine Wilking.

The other three charges include conspiracy to commit first-degree homicide, aggravated assault and theft.

More than 50 people attended the arraignment, filling the courtroom and prompting Judge Wilking to suggest moving the trial to a larger courtroom once the official date was set. After the arraignment, family and community members embraced each other and expressed encouragement that closure in some form would come.

The incident occurred April 7 at Eastridge Mall when a videotaped altercation showed 14-year-old Bobby Maher being stabbed in the parking lot.

It touched the hearts of people across the state and sparked an outpouring of support. The town's houses were decorated in blue, Bobby's favorite color. Local businesses made donations to the Maher family, and community members gathered for a vigil that attendees said they would never forget.