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Woman Committed For Stabbing Her Ex-Beau, His Rabbit
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Published: June 26, 2008
BRADENTON - A woman who stabbed her ex-boyfriend and his rabbit with scissors in a fight this year was found not guilty by reason of insanity Wednesday and committed to a state psychiatric hospital.
The woman, Elizabeth N. Rackley, 19, who broke into her former boyfriend's home and attacked him, was charged with crimes that included animal cruelty and armed burglary. Rackley faced a prison sentence if found guilty at trial. The rabbit died.
It is rare that defendants plead not guilty by reason of insanity -- and even rarer for prosecutors not to fight the finding at trial. Only one doctor evaluated Rackley.
The mental health expert concluded she was legally insane at the time of the stabbing and recommended treatment at a state hospital. An assistant state attorney, Andrea Watt, did not object.
Circuit Judge Debra Johnes Riva declared Rackley insane, a decision usually left to a jury.
Watt said the teenage victim and his family think Rackley is more in need of treatment than incarceration. The victim was not seriously injured in the attack in January at his house in the 1700 block of Lena Road in east Manatee County.
The victim and several friends were there when Rackley stormed onto the porch, stabbed the rabbit and threw a concrete block through a window to get inside the house, authorities said.
Rackley stabbed her ex-boyfriend in the back with scissors, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Rackley's attorney, Jeff Young of Sarasota, said Rackley has a long history of mental illness and no memory of the attack.
Rackley will remain in the custody of the state until she is deemed fit. The courts will receive status reports every six months. Only a judge can approve Rackley's release from state custody.
The rabbit, named Meatloaf, was evaluated at a veterinarian's office and euthanized, authorities said.
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