Murder Suspect du Pont Is Arraigned, Identifies Himself as the Dalai Lama
In his first public statement since his arrest for the murder of Olympic wrestler David Schultz, chemical heir John E. du Pont identified himself as the Dalai Lama in court Thursday and said he does not understand the U.S. legal system.
Du Pont, 57, faces first- and third-degree murder charges. He was often uncooperative and identified himself at one point as the spiritual leader of Tibet.
Faced with du Pont’s failure to participate, Common Pleas Judge Patricia H. Jenkins entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf.
The judge also reprimanded du Pont’s lawyers, accusing them of coaching their client to act strangely.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
