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Defense in Thornton Walmart shooting case still unsure on 'not guilty by reason of insanity' plea

Posted at 3:29 PM, Aug 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-24 17:29:08-04

THORNTON, Colo. – The defense attorneys for Scott Ostrem, the man accused in connection with a shooting spree at a Thornton Walmart last November that left three people dead, have less than two weeks to decide if they will enter a “not guilty by reason of insanity” plea in the case.

The newest development in the case comes after an Adams County judge denied the defense a continuation on the arraignment of 48-year-old Scott Ostrem, entering a not guilty plea on his behalf following a court appearance on Friday.

Sue Lindsay, with the Adams County District Attorney’s Office, said the reason the defense requested a continuation of the arraignment was because they have still not determined if they will enter a plea of “not guilty by reason of insanity.”

The defense now has until Sept. 3 to enter the “not guilty by reason of insanity” or any other mental health plea.

Back in February of this year, Ostrem was ordered by an Adams County judge to undergo a mental competency evaluation in the case as he requested to represent himself.

He faces two counts of first-degree murder for each of his victims, and 30 counts of attempted-first degree murder because of the other people who were at the store when he allegedly walked in and started shooting.

Lindsay said Ostrem’s trial is scheduled to start Jan. 28, 2019. The trial is scheduled to last about two weeks.