Teen Murder Suspect With Autism Poses Challenges

Associated Press
Published: March 20, 2009
Updated: March 20, 2009

RAVENNA, Ohio—The fate of an autistic teenager charged with murdering his mother is up to a judge in northeast Ohio.

Police say Kent State University politics professor Trudy Steuernagel was fatally beaten by her son, 18-year-old Sky Walker, in January.

His arraignment is set for today in Ravenna, but the prosecutor and defense attorneys agreed that he does not need to attend. His attorneys say Walker can’t hold a conversation and thus can’t understand the charges or help in his defense.

The judge has ordered exams for competency and mental retardation.

Autism is a developmental disability that limits social interaction and communication skills.

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