A former Fordham University student charged with beating to death his mother while in the throes of an epileptic seizure was allowed to plead not guilty by reason of mental defect Monday after prosecutors determined that a costly trial was likely to produce the same outcome. Henry Wachtel, 21, appeared to be fighting back tears as he told Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Jill Konviser that he knows he ended his mother’s life on April 10, 2012 but didn’t have control over his actions.
“I have no memory of the events immediately surrounding the death of my mother,” said Wachtel. “My lawyer has informed me of the physical and medical evidence … I am convinced I physically caused my mother’s death.” Assistant District Attorney Stuart Silbert said, “The People are satisfied that the affirmative defense of lack of criminal responsibility by reason of mental disease or defect would likely be proven by the defendant at a trial by a preponderance of evidence.”
Wachtel’s brrutal killing of his mother, beloved LaGuardia High School teacher Karyn Kay, 63, was caught on surveillance video.
Kay dialed 911 to summon help for her son when he fell into a violent epileptic seizure. The tape captures the thuds and grunts of Wachtel, apparently still in his seizure, struggling with his mother.
“Help! Help! He’s attacking me!” Kay screams on the recording.
The terrified mother can be heard taking her last gasps of air then Wachtel’s harrowing cries. “Mommy! Mommy! Please don’t die!” he screams.
The judge set bail at $100,000 bond, which Wachtel’s father Edward posted.
A mental health professional showed up to escort the troubled young man to an inpatient mental health facility.
“At this point Henry is finally going to be given an opportunity to deal with the trauma of killing his mother even though he was unconscious,” his defense lawyer Lloyd Epstein said of the facility where he’s headed.
Wachtel’s epilepsy is now fully controlled, the attorney said.
Konviser scheduled a hearing May 5 to determine whether Wachtel is a danger to society and must be committed to a state psychiatric facility or release him.
