Friday, August 12, 2011

McLain Case Hits The Courtroom

This morning the case of Michael McLain was taken up in Virginia Beach District Court, Criminal Courtroom 2, but only briefly. Lawyers from both sides appeared, the Commonwealth filed a motion, and a next date for the case was set. It will be back in District Court on October 7. McLain is charged in the May 27 murder of Tyler Lynn-Gainous. McLain himself never entered the courtroom today.

I made the trip down to the Courthouse this morning. When Michael's mother saw me, she made a few over-the-top comments about my being present. (Last time I checked, trials of adults in this country were public.) However, I shouldn't personalize it, as she's obviously distraught over her son's predicament.

For Tyler's out-of-area family and friends, District Court proceedings in Virginia are conducted with the lawyers, defendant, witnesses, et al standing at the judge's bench. Therefore, it's difficult to hear elsewhere in the courtroom. I think I heard what was being said, but don't want to run with it as a story without being sure. I called the Clerk's office this afternoon, they provided the next court date, but didn't have a scanned copy of the motion. As I know a number of you are depending on me for information, I'll try to verify it early next week.

11 comments:

Avenging Archangel said...

If I heard correctly, there's been an initial psychiatric evaluation, the doctor found McClain insane, and the Commonwealth filed for the proverbial second opinion. I obviously didn't want to report that above the fold as fact when I'm not sure that I have it straight.

pcs said...

You are indeed spot-on in that many of Tyler's family and friends look to you as a valuable source in the progression of this case.

This precious blog in so many ways is a Godsend, especially in the sense that we don't have to over-burden Tyler's parents for updates. Truly, there are no words to express my infinite gratitude to you for this blog. Nevertheless,THANK YOU TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!!!!

As for the possible insanity plea, rumor has it that Mike's actions immediately following Tyler's murder would suggest he was absolutely lucid. Now I am by no means clinical and I suppose I am perhaps a TAD jaded, but INSANITY seems the obvious defense. See I am so trying to remain objective during this storm. But, I can not help but wonder that if indeed there is a history of mental health issues, surely they couldn't have just surfaced...and in that respect others would be complicit as well.

Avenging Archangel said...

As for "mental health issues", a few weeks after the shooting I had a source tell me Mike was being prescribed psychiatric meds at the time but wasn't taking them.

Of course, in the vast majority of cases, mentally ill doesn't equal insane. As one of Mike's neighbors, he never displayed behavior before me that would lead me to believe he was insane.

pcs said...

That thought hadn't occurred to me, you do not disappoint...point well taken,thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr angel once again i want tothank you for takingthe time to keep us updated on the info onthe trial.... while ihave been one to solicit positivity on this page i have nothing positive to say.. INSANITY i mean that is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cliche... Insanity, crazy these are not 2 adjectives that describe him, however malicous, and surprised that he was caught r better words to describe this man...As far as his mom y is she angry her son is still here...i fail to see her issue with u for being in a public place
once again Mr. Angel thank you for offering our family the comfort of knowing we have u looking out for us with this blog and updates...

pcs said...

regardless of the connection i am no advocate of bad behavior and this situation is off the charts.

Anonymous said...

Having a moment, as a another court date is soon approaching so are our birthdays. The "Libras", our group of cousins, varying in ages from late September to Tyler's in October. Melancholy and tears for my young cousin, this year will prove bitter sweet for my kindred libras.

Anonymous said...

Although this may seem trivial I noticed a change in the spelling of Mike's surname. Is it Mc Lean or Mc Clain?

Avenging Archangel said...

I've used the spelling that appears in the court documents.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your time and efforts!

pcs said...

I've been struggling with whether or not to approach you. Please know that I am completely mindful that you are by no means obligated to this cause, but if there are any updates to share, please do or maybe point me in the direction where I may follow up. Thanks for all you have done thus far.