Wayne Treacy Update: Prosecution rests in Fla. teen attack trial

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Wayne Treacy in court for the first day of jury selection on June 26, 2012.

/ CBS Miami

(CBS/AP) FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The prosecution has rested in the attempted murder trial of Florida teenager Wayne Treacy, who is accused in a savage kicking and stomping attack on a 15-year-old girl.

Pictures: Josie Lou Ratley, Steel-Toed Attack Victim

Mental health experts were expected to begin testifying Wednesday in their insanity defense for 17-year-old Treacy.

The defense claims Treacy suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder when he assaulted Josie Lou Ratley outside a middle school in 2010. The disorder supposedly started after Treacy's brother committed suicide by hanging himself a few months earlier.

Now 17, Ratley almost died and suffered permanent brain injuries. The attack happened after the two exchanged taunting and insulting text messages, culminating with one from Ratley referring to Treacy's dead brother.

Ratley did not testify in the trial.

Treacy faces a possible 50-year prison sentence if convicted of attempted first-degree murder.

Complete coverage of Wayne Treacy on Crimesider

13 Photos

Josie Lou Ratley, Steel-Toed Attack Victim

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by ahendryx819 July 12, 2012 10:48 AM EDT: It doesn't matter what she said to him; he should have just ignored it and stopped talking to her. I've lost loved ones in horrendous circumstances, but I would never try to kill someone for referring to them. It would just be an insult to their memories to do so. It really seems doubtful to me that he's going to be successful with the insanity defense, because that defense depends on being able to prove that he didn't know right from wrong. And using PTSD as the mental illness doesn't fit what he did, either. Many MANY people suffer from PTSD and never hurt anyone. If anyone is suffering from PTSD, it's the VICTIM. I hope he ends up in prison, not only to pay for what he did, but to protect the rest of society from him.; Reply to this comment


by jwilsonte5 July 12, 2012 8:46 AM EDT: This is whats wrong kids today he knows he can do what ever wants had lots of time put boots on attack a girl in didnt know .we all have tragedy in our lives most dont take it out on weaker person and kids know they are able to get pitty .Our system has forgotten the Victim and remember this was because he was bothering someone else!!; Reply to this comment