NC man offers insanity plea in woman’s death

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — A Charlotte man accused of killing his
girlfriend nearly two years ago has pleaded not guilty by reason of
insanity.

A lawyer for 29-year-old Davon Londell Thomas said Tuesday her
client was an Iraqi war veteran who suffered from post-traumatic
stress disorder and thought the woman was part of a terrorist
attack on America.

Twenty-three-year-old Tigist Yemane was shot to death at Thomas’
parents’ home in November 2009.

Police say the woman had originally come to Charlotte from
Ethiopia for a heart operation.

Defense attorney Jean Lawson says Thomas served in the North
Carolina Army National Guard and was deployed to active combat duty
in Iraq.

Thomas could be sent to a state mental hospital if he is found
not guilty by reason of insanity.

Trial is expected near year.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)