State v. Persitz

OPINION

GARDEBRING, Justice.

Following a jury trial, appellant Zachary Persitz was convicted of one count of first degree premeditated murder in violation of Minn.Stat. § 609.185(1) in connection with death of Michael Prozumenshikov on January 28, 1991. Appellant asserted a defense of “not guilty by reason of mental illness,” and Ms trial was bifurcated pursuant to Minn. R.Crim.P. 20.02, subd. 6(2). After the second phase of the bifurcated trial, the jury rejected Ms defense of not guilty by reason of mental illness. Appellant was sentenced to life in prison and now appeals from the judgment of…