LAFAYETTE — The suspect accused of fatally stabbing his roommate last month in their Purdue University dorm plans to use an insanity defense in court, records show.
A motion to determine Ji Min Sha's competency to stand trial was filed last week in the case against him, according to online court records.
WRTV has requested a copy of the filing.
Sha is being held without bond in the murder of Varun Manish Chheda, who officials have said was attacked without provocation.
If convicted of murder, Sha could face 45-65 years in prison.
Sha, an international student from Korea, reported Chheda's death to police himself shortly after he stabbed him to death, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Purdue University police found Chheda dead shortly after 12:44 a.m. Oct. 5 as they responded to McCutcheon Hall after Sha called 911.
When officers arrived, they found Cheda dead and sitting in a chair and Sha with what appeared to be blood on his clothing and body.
There was also a folding knife on the floor, which Sha later admitted was his. He told police he used the knife to kill Chheda while he was sitting in the chair where police found him, according to the affidavit.
An autopsy found Chheda died from "multiple sharp force trauma" injuries to his head and neck. His death was ruled a homicide.
Following the stabbing, Sha appeared in court and offered an apology to Chheda's family, saying "I am very sorry" and "I was blackmailed."
As of Monday, a trial date had not been scheduled for Sha. He is, however, scheduled to appear for a hearing on Dec. 2.
-
Ball State students react to ending DEI programs
On Friday, Ball State students protested the decision to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, saying it would hurt diversity on campus and give in to racism
Storms, heavy rain move through Central Indiana on Saturday
On Saturday morning, Central Indiana was hit by several rounds of rain and storms that caused some minor damage and even led to the cancellation of the Carmel Marathon.
'Deeply Ingrained' Program inspires youth through woodworking and life skills
What started as a simple project for a father and his children has blossomed into "Deeply Ingrained," a program offering valuable woodworking skills and life lessons to hundreds of children.
Tips to prevent basement flooding as more rain approaches
The next round of heavy rain is in the forecast for the weekend. It comes about two weeks after storms dumped inches of rain in Central Indiana.
