Dec. 13, 2022 noon; Updated 10:30p
(WGTD)---A Racine barber who ostensibly killed a customer because he refused to pay for his haircut was suffering from a complex mental disorder that made him believe he was engaged in a life-or-death spiritual war. That was the testimony Tuesday morning from psychologist Jenna Niess who examined 35-year-old Tamir Williams on at least two occasions.
The testimony came in the insanity portion of the two-phase proceeding against Williams. It’ll be up to Judge Robert Repischak to determine whether Williams was indeed suffering from some type of mental defect or psychotic episode at the time of the crime. Williams has already pleaded guilty to 1st Degree Intentional Homicide.
Niess testified Tuesday that Williams was susceptible to auditory hallucinations that made him believe he could communicate directly with god.
The victim, 21-year-old Andre Sandoval, apparently questioned some of what Williams told him while he was getting a haircut in August of last year at Angel’s Beauty Salon on Durand Ave.
Niess says Sandoval was shot when he left without paying.
Niess said Williams’ condition may not have been readily apparent to his Spanish-speaking co-workers because Williams’ kept to himself, rarely communicating with them. Also, his habit of wearing earbuds minimized interactions with customers.
Later in the day, Niess' testimony came under attack from prosecutors who contend that Williams has simply anger issues and should be sent to prison and not a mental institution.
The proceeding had its share of drama. At one point, Williams for no apparent reason suddenly broke down in sobs and was led away to a side room. He returned about 20 minutes later and the court proceeding continued as if nothing had happened.
Also, Judge Repischak banned someone from the courtroom for directing threatening comments toward a defense attorney. Repischak later changed his mind after the person wrote a letter of apology.
Niess, the defense witness, is expected to continue her testimony Wednesday morning.
Her diagnosis of Williams, by the way, was that he suffers from Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type.
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