Man Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Illness in Slaying

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) - A man accused of killing a woman with whom he once had a relationship has been found not guilty by reason of mental illness.

Jurors returned the verdict Friday in the case of Levi Minissale.

The jury had convicted Minissale last week of killing Yesenia "Sunny" Gonzalez with a knife in June 2013. He was also convicted of attempting to kill her husband, Gallo Buccio Ruiz. The convictions triggered a second phase in his trial to determine his mental health when the crimes occurred.

Jurors in Blue Earth County Court deliberated nearly nine hours. Four experts had testified that Minissale has schizophrenia and suffers from delusions and hallucinations.

They testified that voices commanded him to kill the woman and her husband.