Driver charged with murder wants to plead insanity

A Cleveland man accused of purposely causing a crash that killed an Eastlake man has a hearing scheduled March 12 to determine whether a motion to enter a not guilty plea by reason of insanity should be accepted.

Michael B. Davis, formerly of University Heights, was driving westbound on Route 6 in Willoughby Hills July 4, 2017 when he allegedly went left of center for unknown striking a car driven by 26-yearold Gregory Morawski, according to Willoughby Hills police.

Morawski’s car was pushed off the road, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Davis and Morawski’s 26-year-old passenger were transported to Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights.

The defendant was indicted last year on three counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and four counts of felonious assault.

Davis’ attorney filed a motion Feb. 4 asking Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Eugene A. Lucci to permit a plea of not guilty by reason on insanity.

In the motion filed with the court, the defense attorneys wrote that they’ve “consistently encountered challenges in communicating” with Davis since the beginning of the case.

His attorneys in August 2018 filed a motion to refer Davis for a competency evaluation.

“Although Mr. Davis was ultimately found competent, said finding was made with hesitation,” the attorneys Richard J. Perez and Ian N. Friedman wrote. “... While counsel is not seeking a second opinion as to Mr. Davis’ competency, if reevaluated now, counsel submits that one may opine differently as to Mr. Davis’ current ability to assist in his defense.”

Since Davis’ competency evaluation, Perez and Friedman wrote that communication with the defendant has “deteriorated to the point where counsel relies on his parents to exchange and receive information.”

“This decline is plainly due to Mr. Davis’ mental health and not from any lack of effort by counsel.”

The defense attorneys wrote that they have secured three independent professional opinions in support of the not guilty by reason of insanity plea.

A trial date is scheduled for April 15.

Davis