Judge hears closing arguments in Pennsylvania mall shooting

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Monday, November 7, 2016
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PITTSBURGH -- A judge is set to hear closing arguments in the trial of an 18-year-old accused of wounding three people- including two bystanders - at a Pittsburgh-area mall last year.

Tarod Thornhill's attorney acknowledges he shot his 20-year-old target and wounded two shopping bystanders during the February 2015 shootings in Macy's at the Monroeville Mall. But the defense contends Thornhill was mentally ill and didn't know his actions were illegal or was unable to control them.

Allegheny County prosecutors argue that's a ruse, saying Thornhill was recorded on a jail phone call being told by a woman to fake insanity. They also say Thornhill left the mall to retrieve a gun after an earlier encounter with his intended target.

It was unclear if the judge would issue a verdict immediately after Monday's closings.

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