PIKEVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The case against two eastern Kentucky teenagers accused of torturing and shooting several horses has been
declared a mistrial based on an attorney's opening statement.
The judge called off the trial when a defense attorney revealed to the jury that 18-year-old defendant Michael Damron had to take medication for impulse control.
Prosecutors challenged attorney Steve Owens' opening statement.
Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman says he based his decision on a state law that requires attorneys to give a 20-day written notice if they intend to use mental illness or defect as a defense in a criminal case. Owens did not provide a notice.
Coleman rescheduled the trial for February fourth.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
