CASE BACKGROUND: Closing arguments are slated this morning in the trial of Daniel J. Mustard, 19, accused of stabbing to death 87-year-old Ruby Andrews in South Kitsap on April 5, 2009.
The trial has largely revolved around Mustard’s mental state at
the time of the crime. Jurors will be asked to decide whether
he knew the nature and quality of his act on that day. Jurors
will be asked to consider whether he could form the intent of his
actions due to “involuntary intoxication” or “diminished
capacity.”
He faces a life sentence if convicted of first-degree
premeditated murder or a
commitment at Western State Hospital if acquitted.
Closing arguments are slated to start about 9:30 a.m. or so.
