Release Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2010 6 p.m.
Harvey L. Bryant, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Virginia Beach, announced today that Michael Jeffrey Osman, 43 years old, previously residing in 8400 block of Atlantic Avenue, pled not guilty by reason of insanity. This plea was accepted by Circuit Court Judge H. T. Padrick. Osman will remain at Central State Hospital and his case will be reviewed by the Court on July 26, 2010 to determine his placement at a mental health facility. Osman was determined by a doctor to be insane at the time of the offense. Osman’s review on July 26, 2010 will contain reports from two doctors. After this initial review, Osman’s case will be reviewed annually for five years, and then biannually thereafter.
Had the case gone to trial, the Commonwealth’s evidence would have proved that on December 7, 2009, Osman’s mother went to his home to pick him up for a court appearance. Outside of his residence, Osman assaulted and strangled his mother to death. Osman then fled the scene in his mother’s vehicle. A broadcast was put out for Osman and the vehicle. Virginia Beach Police stopped Osman driving the vehicle in the 900 block of Laskin Road. Osman requested to be taken to the police station to speak with a detective. Osman confessed to killing his mother.
Osman has an extensive history of inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment. It was clear from the medical evidence that Osman was legally insane at the time when, tragically he killed his mother; that evidence could not be overcome, Bryant said.
Osman’s criminal history includes traffic offenses and domestic violence charges that were either nolle prossed or dismissed after deferred findings.
Associate Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul J. Powers prosecuted the case. Please call Julie Pickell if additional information is desired.
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