October 15 - Son deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial
Many friends and relatives thought that Alexander Cornell was a shy, quiet kid who had no behavioral problems. However, in 2009, when he was only 18 years old, Cornell shot his mother nine times, killing her, without any clear motive for the slaying. Before the murder, Cornell had not shown any signs of violence or mental illness, nor any anger towards his mother.
Prior to the killing, Cornell lived with his father and stepmother, but remained close to his mother. During his 2009 senior year of high school, Cornell dropped out of school and moved into his own apartment. Cornell’s apartment was the scene of his mother’s murder.
When prompted in the past, Cornell has not given a consistent answer behind the reasons for the slaying. One detective working on the case testified that Cornell blamed dissatisfaction with himself and his mother’s inability to be a good parent.
Cornell’s attorney is arguing the case as an affirmative defense, and pleading not guilty by reason of mental disease. On October 30th, a judge will decide whether or not Cornell should be forced to take his medicine as he awaits his trial in jail. The 21 year old Cornell is being held without bond in Fulton County Jail.