Innocent Plea in 9 Fireworks Deaths
Screaming obscenities, a man accused of setting a fire that killed nine people at a fireworks store pleaded innocent by reason of insanity Tuesday.
Relatives of the dead were angry over Todd Hall’s courtroom outbursts, and some charged it was an act, although Hall has suffered brain damage in the past.
“He knows what he’s doing. He’s been rehearsed by his lawyer,” said Linda Carmon, whose son and granddaughter were killed in the blaze July 3 in Scottown.
Defense attorney Richard Wolfson said Hall, 24, has the mental capacity of a 12-year-old and cannot understand the allegations or the consequences of his actions. Hall underwent a lobotomy in 1987 after falling off a skateboard and hitting his head.
At least three court security officers surrounded Hall. He was shackled with chains.
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