JACKSON - The man who is accused of beheading his neighbor in Jackson waived his preliminary hearing Friday. Leo Kwaske's case goes straight to circuit court without a hearing of evidence. Psychiatrists have deemed Kwaske insane. Jared Hopkins, assistant prosecutor, says the circuit court judge would likely follow the psychiatrists' report and rule Kwaske is not guilty of murder by reason on insanity. Kwaske would remain in custody at a secure mental health center for a long period a time.
Hopkins says the family of the victim, Shirley Meeks, has been consulted about the likelihood Kwaske will be ruled not guilty by reason of insanity.
Prosecutors say that on October 15, 2011, Leo Kwaske killed the 59-year-old Meeks at the Reed Manor apartments using a hammer. Kwaske was found by police outside the apartment building. Kwaske lived one story beneath Meeks.
