Man Charged in Coach Case Plans Insanity Defense

Mark Becker, 24, of Parkersburg, has been charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of Ed Thomas.

Tools

By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 13, 2009 at 3:31 PM CST

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2010 at 5:34 PM CST

MASON CITY (AP) - The man accused of gunning down a high school football coach will use a defense of insanity and/or diminished responsibility.

Mason City attorney Susan Flander filed the motion of defense Monday in Butler County District Court for Mark D. Becker. He's charged with first-degree murder in the June 24 killing of Aplington-Parkersburg High School football coach Ed Thomas in the school's weight room.

Also Monday, Flander field a motion seeking access to any mental health or substance abuse committal files involving Becker. Becker's trial is set for Sept. 15 in Butler County. He's being held at the Cerro Gordo County jail in Mason City on $1 million cash bond.

Next Article OWI Charge Against Keokuk County Sheriff Dismissed

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.