Lawyers haggle over the law in cannibal plot case
NEW YORK (AP) - A judge is putting the finishing touches on legal instructions to be read to a jury deciding the fate of a New York police officer accused of plotting to kidnap, kill and eat women he knew.
U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe heard lawyers discuss proposed changes Wednesday in a 40-page document to be read to jurors after closing statements Thursday in the trial of Officer Gilberto Valle (VAL'-ee). The instructions are a roadmap for jurors when they deliberate.
Valle is allegedly conspired with others on a sexual fetish website. His lawyers say he engaged only in fantasies.
The judge reserved decision on whether the instructions should include wording to make clear that jurors must acquit Valle if they find he had no intention of carrying out the crimes.