Peru — A trial date has been set for a 24-year-old Bunker Hill man accused of murdering a 76-year-old Scoutmaster in front of Boy Scouts hiking the Nickel Plate Trail in 2011.
Shane Golitko appeared Thursday via video in Miami County Circuit Court wearing a prison jumpsuit. His defense attorney and prosecutors agreed to set the murder trial on June 17.
Police said Golitko stabbed assistant Scoutmaster Art Anderson in the neck. He bled to death as two young Scouts watched in horror.
The trial date could change, however, depending on the results of court-ordered psychiatric examinations of Golitko by three psychiatrists.
Miami County deputy public defender Kristina L. Lynn said Thursday the exams are complete, and the official depositions should be complete in time for a pretrial slated for May 2.
Depending on the findings of the exams, defense attorneys could submit an insanity plea. Defense attorneys already have filed the required notice for submitting an insanity defense in the case.
Golitko’s mother, Valerie Henson, said in an interview last year her son has suffered from paranoid schizophrenia for years. Police said Golitko assaulted his mother just prior to the stabbing. Henson said she believes her son suffered a psychotic episode due to his refusal to take prescribed anti-psychotic medication.
Police said they believe the incident was completely random, and there wasn’t a connection between the victim and Golitko.
Golitko remained silent during Thursday’s hearing, often holding his hands behind his head and looking at the ceiling.
Carson Gerber is a Kokomo Tribune reporter. He may be reached at 765-854-6739, or by email at carson.gerber@kokomotribune.com.
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