Jimmy Snuka Incompetent To Stand Trial For Murder, Defense Argues
Psychologist Frank Dattilio calls Snuka a "shell of a man."
Last September, WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka was arrested and charged with murder for the 1983 death of his then-girlfriend, Nancy Argentino. Now, a competency hearing is being held to determine if the 72-year-old former superstar is mentally fit to stand trial.
Snuka's laywer, Robert Kirwan II, has repeatedly argued that his client is suffering from dementia and doesn't understand the charges that are being brought against him. On Friday, the defense called psychologist Frank Dattilio to testify to that end.
According to Dattilio, Snuka's dementia - in tandem with years of alcohol and cocaine abuse - has left him a "shell of a man." Both Dattilio and Kirwan have traced "Superfly's" mental deterioration to his wrestling career, claiming that he suffered repeated instances of head trauma that have ultimately taken their toll. Speaking on Snuka's mental disabilities, Dattilio said, "This is permanent damage, and he's not likely to be restored to competence."
Prosecutors have argued that Snuka's alleged incapacity is a ruse, and have pointed to footage of him in the ring as recently as last year as evidence to that end. An expert for the prosecution will take the stand on Wednesday to argue that Snuka is competent to stand trial.
Presiding judge Kelly Banach will ultimately decide his fate.