Teen to plead insanity in Manchester murder

The South Kitsap teenager accused of stabbing to death his elderly neighbor in April will likely plead not-guilty by reason of insanity, his attorney announced in Kitsap County Superior Court Friday.

Defense attorney Bryan Hershman told Judge Leila Mills Oct. 16 that he plans to enter a not-guilty by reason of insanity plea for his client, Daniel J. Mustard, 18, following the completion of psychological testing.

“I am very, very certain I’m going to be entering an insanity plea,” said Hershman, who then asked the court for 45 more days before the next status hearing is scheduled. “I met with the psychologist today, and he and the psychiatrist believe they need another 45 days.”

“I am satisfied that the attorneys have done what they can, and we are waiting for other professionals to complete their work,” Mills said, referring also to pending results of evidence testing.

Mills agreed to schedule a status hearing for Dec. 4, and reminded the defendant, seating in the courtroom in shackles with his head down, that his trial was still scheduled for Jan. 25.

“I am concerned that the end of January may be a bit optimistic (for beginning trial),” Hershman said. “I may end up requesting more time.”

Mustard was arrested in April for the murder of Ruby Andrews, an 87-year-old Manchester resident who was found dead in her bathroom on Puget Drive East. He was charged as an adult with aggravated first-degree murder, and has been held in Kitsap County Jail on $1 million bail since his booking April 8.

According to police reports, Mustard allegedly knocked on Andrews’ door and said he was doing a survey, then when she let him inside, he demanded money. When the victim said she didn’t have any, Mustard stabbed her repeatedly, then took a photo of her body on his cellphone that he reportedly showed to his friends.