Theopulus Gordon could have prevented the death of Eric Robinson last September, but he didn’t.Awaiting trial in March on a charge of murder, Manuel Silva filed a motion on his own behalf, asking to be able to claim temporary insanity in the beating death of 39-year-old Christopher Deaton last spring.
Silva, 45, who is represented by a court-appointed attorney, claimed in court that he has suffered from blackouts for years and was having one that night.
But Allen Superior Court Judge John Surbeck noted that in Silva’s motion, he gave a “blow by blow” description of what occurred, and has demonstrated an “excellent grasp” of what has gone on in the proceedings.
Surbeck found no good reason to request a mental health examination for Silva, either for insanity at the time of the offense or competence in assisting with his own defense.
Silva, of the 5300 block of New Haven Avenue, is charged with murder in connection to the May 24 beating of Deaton at a Bass Street home.
Deaton died of head trauma a few days later. While Silva claimed he was acting in self-defense and had gone there to protect his daughter, witnesses painted a different picture of what took place.
Silva has prior convictions for forgery, sexual misconduct with a minor and neglect of a dependent.
Because of his prior convictions, Allen County prosecutors also allege Silva is a habitual offender.
