Virginia Beach Man Found “Not Guilty” For 2009 Killing By Reason of Insanity

The trial of Aaron Louis Patterson, a man accused of a double shooting incident that resulted in the death of one man and the severe wounding of another, came to a close this week after a jury found Patterson not guilty by reason of insanity.

In 2009, Patterson shot his neighbor and the neighbor’s brother who was visiting for the Christmas holiday. According to reports, Patterson baracaded himself inside of his home when the police showed up to the scene of the crime. He was eventually obtained, arrested and taken into police custody. Patterson was originally charged with multiple counts which included murder, malicious wounding, using a firearm while committing a felony and possessing a weapon while in jail.

In Virginia, certain crimes require a mental element, which is often referred to as “mens rea”. Murder is crime that requires the perpetrator to specifically intend to take the life of another. Individuals who are “insane” or do not have the mental capacity to specifically intend to commit the crime of murder may not be found guilty of the offense in the traditional sense. This is precisely what occurred at the end of Patterson’s trial this week. However, the fact that Patterson was found “not guilty” by reason of insanity does not mean that he gets to go home and move forward with his daily life.

Section 19.2-182.2 of the Virginia Code mandates that in cases where the defendant is acquitted by reason of insanity, the court must place the defendant into the temporary custody of the Commission of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services who will decide whether the defendant will be committed at a mental health institution.

If you have been charged with a crime, contact an experienced Virginia criminal defense attorney as soon as possible following your arrest to ensure that your rights are protected. A Virginia criminal defense lawyer can advise and assist you through every step of the criminal process including arraignment, bail, preliminary hearings, trial and appeal.