The jury trial of 30-year-old Francis Wolke, accused of murdering retired Atherton town arborist Kathy Hughes Anderson, had opening statements Feb. 14.
Wolke’s attorney, Connie O’Brien, said in opening statements that her client was driven to murder by a desire to engage in cannibalism. San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said that cannibalistic behavior is not a part of the prosecution’s case.
According to Wagstaffe, Menlo Park resident Hughes Anderson was stabbed through the eye with a pencil, causing hemorrhage. The prosecution does not know why Hughes Anderson was chosen as the victim.
Wagstaffe said there is no question about who committed the murder, but rather if Wolke’s mental state was competent enough to face the murder charge.
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