Manatee Woman Committed After Stabbing Boyfriend's Rabbit

MANATEE - A woman who stabbed her ex-boyfriend's rabbit with scissors in a fight this year was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed today to a state psychiatric hospital.

The woman, Elizabeth N. Rackley, 19, who broke into her friend'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 later died.

It is rare that defendants plead not guilty by reason of insanity - and even more rare that prosecutors would not fight the finding at trial. Only one doctor evaluated Rackley.

A mental health expert who evaluated Rackley found her legally insane at the time of the stabbing and recommended she receive intensive treatment in a state hospital. An assistant state attorney, Andrea Watt, did not object to the report.

Circuit Judge Debra Johnes Riva agreed with the findings in the report and declared Rackley insane, a decision that is usually left to a jury.

Watt said the teenage victim and his family believed Rackley 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.

The boy and several friends were home when Rackley stormed onto the porch, stabbed the rabbit in its shoulder and threw a cement block through a window to get inside the house, authorities said.

Rackley's attorney, Jeff Young of Sarasota, said Rackley has a lengthy history of mental illness and has no recollection of the stabbing and burglary.

Rackley will remain in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families until she is deemed fit. The courts will receive status reports every six months. Only a judge can approve Rackley leaving state custody.

The rabbit, named Meatloaf, was evaluated at an area veterinarian's office. The doctor said the possibility of full recovery was grim, and Meatloaf was euthanized, authorities said.