Kevin Boozer
Staff Writer
WINNSBORO — Public Defender Michael Lifsey received provisional basis to represent defendant Michael Mahorsky in a double murder trial in which Mahorsky is accused of killing both his parents.
Lifsey made a formal request to be appointed Mahorsky’s legal council which will be granted by Judge Brooks Goldsmith, provided all the proper paperwork is completed.
The 40-year-old Mahorsky is charged with two counts of murder and one count of possessing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime in conjunction with the deaths of his parents, Richard and Ruth Marion Mahorsky.
Lifsey requested a court ordered mental evaluation for Mahorsky, noting his client’s mental health history that includes treatment at the Veterans Administration, at the S.C. Department of Mental Health and at Three Rivers Facility for mental health related issues.
Lifsey also revealed Mahorsky is taking several medications for acute mania and schizophrenia. Lifsey also said that some statements Mahorsky made to law enforcement in the aftermath of the deaths of his parents could affect Mahorsky’s ability to stand trial, but said that issue would be taken up at a later date.
The statements also could affect Mahorsky’s criminal responsibility in the case.
Assistant Solicitor Riley Maxwell of the Sixth Circuit said the state had no objection to Mahorsky receiving an evaluation. Goldsmith agreed with the request.
After assuring the court that Michael Mahorsky had granted him access to his medical information, Lifsey said Mahorsky was taking Ziprasidone along with other anti-psychotic medications. The evaluation involves sending Mahorsky to Columbia for a few months, according to Lifsey. Then the court will receive the results and make a determination of the next course of action.
“The question right now is, ‘Is he mentally fit to be tried for the case?’” Lifsey said. “If the answer to that question is yes, then the court and would have to determine if (Mahorsky) had any right to a mental health defense.”
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