Autistic teen Sentenced to 20 yrs. for school stabbing

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Autistic Teen Sentenced for School Stabbing

An autistic teenager has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for

attacking a Muncie Central High School classmate with a knife.

18 year old Marlett pleaded guilty but mentally ill to

criminal confinement in exchange for prosecutors dismissing more

serious charges of attempted murder and battery with a deadly weapon.

He was charged with attacking Leigh Ann Vorhees in a classroom in

September of 2005. She was released from a hospital within hours

after the attack.

Special Judge Haviza of Randolph County imposed the maximum

penalty, but Marlett will receive mental health treatment during his

time in prison.

Experts testified that Marlett suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a

form of autism that causes people to have narrow and excessive

interests.

A psychologist testified that Marlett's interests included knives and

swords.

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Updated: December 6, 2006, 9:17 pm