MAYVILLE, NY-- A man from Jamestown has taken a plea in connection with a man's death last year.
Investigators says Brian Korzeniewski, 52, entered a plea of 'Not Responsible By Reason of Mental Disease or Defect' in court on Thursday.
The incident happened in August 2017. Officers were called to the area of 508-512 East 6th Street in Jamestown where they found a person laying face down in the driveway.
The victim, Michael A. Bull, was pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt force trauma.
Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick E. Swanson said in a released statement, “This case is such a tragic case. The defendant and the victim were friends. I believe with proper care and treatment that this killing was completely avoidable. Our society is struggling right now with how to best manage persons with serious mental health issues. Sadly, in individuals who have a dangerous mental disease or defect, their brain operations fail to mediate provoking feelings like fear, frustration, anger or rage. As a result, these extremely powerful feelings are not mitigated or contained and therefore can result in violent behavior. What happened in this instance was a result of uncontrolled and serious mental disease. The doctors here both agreed that Mr. Korzeniewski was not able to substantially appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions because of his serious mental disease. It was no surprise to us that the two examining doctors agreed on Mr. Korzeniewski’s condition. It was evident at the onset of this case that he was suffering from some sort of serious debilitating condition. I anticipate that Mr. Korzeniewski will be placed in the custody of New York State Department of Mental Hygiene where they will ensure he can never hurt anyone again.”
Korzeniewski will be in the custody of New York State while officials determine where he will receive treatment.