Psychiatric findings handed over to judge for Joseph Giacona III

By By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Feb 11, 2009 at 2:41 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 20, 2009 at 7:29 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Joseph Giacona III -who's now 14-years old - was not in Oneida County Court on Wednesday, but attorneys were - discussing his future and the criminal charges he faces.

A psychiatrist for the defense spent six hours examining Joseph Giacona Jr. On Wednesday, Giacona's defense attorney handed a report with that doctor's findings over to the judge in this case.

Defense Attorney Leland McCormac also put on the record his intent to offer a psychiatric defense. This has nothing to do with Giacona's competence now and his ability to stand trial and assist in his own defense; this "insanity defense" speaks to the boy's condition at the time he's accused of shooting his father to death in the man's Vernon home in January of last year.

The prosecutor now has a month to have his own psychiatrist examine the boy.

All parties are due back in court in March 11 for another status report, to let the court know how that is going.

His attorney says that Joseph Giacona Jr. is currently doing well in the Albany Detention Center where he's being held, saying that Giacona III is an exemplary resident.
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