Man Who Shot TV Over Bristol Palin’s Dancing Preps A Mental Defect Defense

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Man Who Shot TV Over Bristol Palin’s Dancing Preps A Mental Defect Defense

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/bristol-palin/man-who-shot-tv-over-bristol-palin%E2%80%99s-dancing-preps-mental-defect-defense



The Wisconsin man who was so upset by Bristol Palin's success on “Dancing with the Stars” that he blasted his TV set with a shotgun yesterday pleaded not guilty to criminal charges and indicated that he will mount a defense based on the claim that he has a mental disease or defect.

Steven Cowan, 67, entered the plea Tuesday during his arraignment in Dane County Circuit Court. Cowan, pictured at right, faces charges of reckless endangerment and failure to comply with law enforcement officers, both felonies. He was arrested in mid-November following a 15-hour standoff with police that began when his wife summoned cops after Cowan shot the television.

According to a criminal complaint, Cowan was angry because “a political figure’s daughter was dancing on this particular show when Steven did not think that she was a good dancer.”

Dane County Assistant District Attorney Robert Kaiser told TSG that Cowan’s use of a mental disease or defect defense would have to include proof that he suffered from a diagnosable mental disorder, and that he “wasn’t just a guy pissed off at his TV.”

[Taverner]

1. Wait - how can they charge him for anything other than firing a gun in city limits?

[Kennah]

3. Perhaps Reckless Endangerment

[FSogol]

2. I think we all know how he felt.

:shrug: Luckily, I don't watch crap like that and don't have to resort to firepower.

[Mopar151]

4. And the judge said

"I can see by your eyes, friend
You're just about gone..."
I said there's 57 channels
And there's nuthin' on...

Bruce Springsteen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVv70Dwsim8

One look at the dude in the picture, you can tell he has a Boss deficency.

[Crowman1979]

5. Look, just suspend his gun license and charge a fine. Don't send him to jail!