Christopher Shumey
The trial of the San Luis Obispo man accused of killing his mother began Monday, and the defendant facing first-degree murder struggled to stay awake. [KSBY]
Christopher Shumey slept through much of opening statements, including the majority of his own attorney’s argument.
Shumey pled not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his mother and assaulting a police officer with a firearm. He allegedly shot and killed his mother, a 65-year-old teacher, at his apartment at the corner of Beach and Buchon streets in September 2011. After killing his mother, Shumey fired at police officers from his upstairs apartment.
Deputy District Attorney Karen Gray said Shumey shot his mother to death using a shotgun he stole from his father’s storage because he believed she had become overbearing.
Defense Attorney Pierre Blahnik said Shumey has been mentally ill since 1999, and that he intended to kill himself before shooting his mother.
Shumey initially attempted to plead guilty to the murder of his mother, despite his attorney advising against it. But, Judge Michael Duffy rejected Shumey’s guilty plea, saying his mental health issues prevented him from acting in a voluntary manner.
