The teenager accused of shooting and killing a LaHarpe woman on New Year's Day might undergo a mental-fitness examination.
The attorney for Antonio L. Sanchez, 17, of Hamilton stated that intention earlier this week in Hancock County Circuity Court, according to The Hawk Eye of Burlington, Iowa. A preliminary hearing scheduled this past Tuesday for Sanchez was postponed to allow for the exam to determine if he's competent to stand trial.
Sanchez is accused of shooting Madison Finch, 19, during a New Year's Eve party at her family's LaHarpe residence. The shooting took place in the early hours of Jan. 1.
"Based upon our conversation, I'm not sure he understands the proceedings," Sanchez's attorney, Drew Schnack of Quincy, told The Hawk Eye. "I'm not sure he understands the penalties he is facing or if he can assist in his own defense. This is a 17-year-old who has not yet completed his sophomore year of high school."
Illinois law requires 17-year-olds charged with murder to be tried as adults. Sanchez has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery.
If the court agrees with Schnack, Sanchez might be placed in a mental-health facility until he's judged competent.
The courtroom in Carthage was packed to overflowing, according to The Hawk Eye. Many in attendance were friends and relatives of Finch, who was a freshman at Illinois State University.
Finch was a 2017 graduate of Illini West High School in Carthage. Authorities said she was killed when she attempted to intervene during a disturbance at the party.
Finch died from a wound to the back of the head, caused by one shot from a .22-caliber handgun.
The preliminary hearing was postponed until Feb. 20.
If convicted, Sanchez faces at least 20 years and perhaps as many as 100 years in prison for each murder count. He is being held without bond in the Hancock County Jail.