CROWN POINT | The newly appointed public defender for Jason Gaboian filed an insanity defense for his client Monday.
Gaboian, 21, of Hobart, pleaded not guilty to murder and murder in the perpetration of a robbery in the March 27 shooting and stabbing of Deshun Bennett, 25, of Gary.
Public Defender Lemuel Stigler filed papers Monday stating Gaboian's defense to the charges will be insanity. Court records show Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez appointed two doctors to evaluate Gaboian. A medical hearing is scheduled for July 27.
Ashley Lawrence, 18, of Hobart, faces the same charges in connection with Bennett's death. Both are being held without bond in the Lake County jail.
Deputy Warden Benny Freeman is investigating a physical altercation between Lawrence and a corrections officer that allegedly occurred Sunday.
