McKeever to use insanity defense in New London murder case
David S. McKeever has formally notified New London Superior Court officials that he will use an insanity defense when he goes on trial for fatally stabbing his longtime companion, Delma Murphy, in their New London home in November 2015.
McKeever, who is represented by attorney Christopher Duby, has opted to be tried by a three-judge panel rather than a jury. The trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on Oct. 22. During his next court appearance on Sept. 13, Judge Hillary B. Strackbein will canvas him on his decision to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, posing a series of questions to ensure he understands the proceedings.
The court has not yet announced which three judges will hear the evidence.
McKeever, 50, who has a history of mental illness, would be committed to the Whiting Forensic Division of Connecticut Valley Hospital if the court finds him not guilty by reason of insanity. He is currently being held at the Northern Correctional Institution in lieu of $1.25 million bond.
He had lived with Murphy, 46, for 11 years and referred to her as his wife when, police said, he stabbed her multiple times, wrapped her body in towels and a blanket and left her in a bedroom for several days. A friend concerned for her welfare went to the home at 53 Cole St. on Nov. 18, 2015, and found her body. The couple had a history of domestic violence.
New London Police arrested him the same day and charged him with murder, interfering with police and resisting arrest.
He initially was represented by attorney M. Fred DeCaprio, who announced to the court last year that McKeever would be pleading not guilty by reason of insanity and had opted to be tried by a panel of judges. In August 2017, McKeever wrote to Judge Hillary B. Strackbein to say he felt bullied by DeCaprio into using the insanity defense.
Strackbein then appointed Duby at the request of both McKeever and DeCaprio. After continuing to discuss the case with Duby, McKeever once again agreed to pursue the insanity defense.
Relatives of the victim are planning to attend the trial and have been attending McKeever’s court appearances and meeting regularly with prosecutor Lawrence J. Tytla and Victim Advocate Stephanie Barber.