Guide Note: Ahmad Edwards was convicted of murder and battery with a deadly weapon, and sentenced to 30 years in prison in 1999. The incident happened when Edwards was caught shoplifting in a department store in Indiana, he shot a security guard and a customer while trying to flee.

Mental Illness

Edwards diagnosed with schizophrenia after his sentencing. Edwards later appealed the case, because he was denied the right to self representation, but declared competent to stand trial. The U.S. Supreme Court began to review the issue on March 26, 2008, and is urged by Indiana Solicitor General Thomas Fisher to bar such individuals from representing themselves. Fast Facts:

1. Edwards was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2000 by his own psychiatrist, and a court appointed psychiatrist
2. Was convicted in 2005
3. Was found incompetent to stand trial twice
4. Shoplifted shoes, shot security guard, and bystander
5. Was shot by an FBI agent who was in the area at time of incident
6. Less than one percent of felony prisoners represent themselves

Categories