State v. Buzynski

ARCHIBALD, Justice.

Peter John Buzynski was indicted for Robbery (17 M.R.S.A. § 3401) and first degree arson (17 M.R.S.A. § 161), and entered pleas of “Not Guilty” and “Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease” to both charges. Pursuant to Rule 13, M.R. Crim.P., the two indictments were ordered tried together, a procedure to which Mr. Buzynski agreed. Unlike past practice, the Justice presiding granted the defendant’s motion to “bifyrcate” the trial, the purpose being, as stated by defense counsel, “so there will be two issues of fact, the question of factual guilt and mental capacity be…