Defense Claims Kletzky’s Accused Killer Is Insane

By JTA October 25, 2011

A lawyer for the man who confessed to killing 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky said the confession was coerced and his client is insane.

Howard Greenberg, an attorney for Levi Aron, said during a hearing Monday in New York State Supreme Court in Brooklyn that he will prove that Aron is not guilty by reason of insanity in the July murder.

Aron appeared in court through a video conference. He reportedly did not move or say a word during the hearing, according to the New York Post.

A psychological exam found Aron competent to stand trial, although he has admitted to hearing voices. Aron pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and kidnapping.

Aron is charged with murdering Leiby near his Brooklyn home. He said he picked up the haredi Orthodox boy in his car when the boy became lost while walking home from camp for the first time and asking for directions. Aron said he panicked after the boy was reported missing.

Parts of Leiby’s dismembered body were found in Aron’s freezer.

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