State v. Venzke

VOGEL, Judge.

The defendant, Gary Venzke, appeals his conviction for first-degree murder in violation of Iowa Code section 707.2(1) (1995). The ease was tried to the court. He argues the trial court erred in requiring him to prove his insanity at times other than when the act was committed. He also claims the record does not support the trial court’s rejection of his insanity defense.

Background facts. Venzke had a long history of treatment for mental illness dating back to the 1970s. He was also diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia. 1 Venzke believed his wife of twenty-three years was…