Based on recent court proceedings, it appears prosecutors will use some of Sharp’s statements to police − and likely his confession(s) − to argue the young man’s guilt.
Given this, it remains unclear what exactly Sharp’s defense team will argue, though there may be some discussion of possible mental illness.
While Sharp’s team will not be using insanity as an affirmative defense, given his attorneys have not notified prosecutors of their intent to do so as is required under Delaware law, one of Sharp’s former attorneys said in an initial court hearing that Sharp was being treated for possible schizophrenia at the time of Sparrow’s homicide.
He had also been under psychiatric observation, the attorney said.
Court documents also show that several people, including one of Sparrow’s close friends, told police they’d been “made aware” that Sharp reportedly has an “alter ego.” Prosecutors said in a court filing earlier this year, however, that Sharp was the one who told people about the reported alter ego.
While a jury could find Sharp “guilty but mentally ill,” Delaware law says this verdict means a defendant “may have any sentence imposed which may lawfully be imposed upon any defendant for the same offense.”
In Delaware, adults found guilty of first-degree murder must be sentenced to life in prison. The state no longer has parole, meaning a person sentenced to life will die in the custody of the Delaware Department of Correction.
