Lisa Nowak Withdraws Insanity Plea

Former astronaut Lisa Nowak has withdrawn her notice that she would seek an insanity defense in the case in which she is charged with stalking a romantic rival across the country. She is facing charges of attempted kidnapping, battery and burglary with assault against her romantic rival Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman.

Nowak's attorney's office said the insanity defense is no longer under consideration.

Under Florida law, Nowak had to file notice that she intended to use an insanity defense. That notice was filed last year to preserve her right to do so. But now, that notice has been withdrawn.

The decision comes after a an appeals court ruled that statements made to police by Nowak during a rambling, six-hour interview after her arrest cannot be used at her trial.

The charges stem from a confrontation between Nowak and Shipman in the parking lot of the Orlando International Airport in February 2007. Investigators said Nowak drove non-stop from Houston to Orlando to confront Shipman, who was dating former space shuttle pilot Bill Oefelein.

Authorities said Nowak wore adult diapers during the cross-country drive so that she wouldn't have to stop, but Nowak's attorneys have adamantly denied that claim.

Some observers believe the move to withdraw notice seeking an insanity defense may signal that a plea agreement may be in the works in the case.

See Also:
Former Astronaut Withdraws Insanity Plea

Background:
The Lisa Nowak Case

Forum:
Discuss The Nowak Case

^{Photo: Mug Shot}