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Man can reject insanity defense in ex-girlfriend's slaying

An Indiana judge has ruled a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and eating parts of her body can reject an insanity defense.
Credit: WHAS11
Joseph Oberhansley

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — An Indiana judge has ruled a man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and eating parts of her body can reject an insanity defense. 

Joseph Oberhansley is accused of killing and mutilating 46-year-old Tammy Jo Blanton in Jeffersonville in 2014. He faces trial on Aug. 19. 

Oberhansley filed a motion last month to withdraw the insanity defense, which defense attorneys promoted in January. The 38-year-old Oberhansley told the judge he felt using the defense would admit guilt and is unlikely to work. 

In a ruling filed Tuesday, Clark County Circuit Court Judge Vicki Carmichael used related case law to support her finding on the importance of allowing a defendant to make decisions on key elements of the case. 

Defense attorney Brent Westerfeld declined to comment on the ruling Wednesday. 

MORE ON WHAS11.COM:

Judge rules Oberhansley competent to stand trial for ex's killing

Psychiatrist finds Oberhansley competent to stand trial

Oberhansley not competent to stand trial

Prosecutors file new charges against man charged with cannibalism

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