After repeated refusals to do so, Lehigh County prosecutors are now asking a judge to force former WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Snuka’s defense team to hand over his psychiatric report. Snuka was arrested and charged in September 2015 for the 1983 murder of his then-girlfriend Nancy Argentino.
Snuka faces charges of third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter — charges his defense team hopes to fight by questioning the 72-year-old’s competency to stand trial:
“His faculties are so compromised you wouldn’t know what he’s saying. He doesn’t understand a simple conversation. You put him up against a sharp prosecutor asking, ‘Remember 30 years ago when you said this …,’ he has no recollection.” — Defense attorney William Moore
A competency hearing is scheduled for May 13. However, prosecutors are seeking the defense’s findings ahead of time. Snuka’s lawyer’s response?
“No, your expert should be able to complete his evaluation without copying off my expert.”
Snuka’s lawyers claim that their client is suffering from post-concussion syndrome and dementia stemming from his years as a wrestler. Chief Deputy District Attorney Charles F. Gallagher says his team is entitled to the findings under Pennsylvania’s rules of criminal procedure, and as Snuka is making the claim of mental incompetency, the burden of proof lies with him.
If Snuka’s attorneys successfully prove he’s not competent to stand trial, the case could be delayed indefinitely.
