David Tarloff Killed NYC Psychiatrist, Relying on Insanity Defense as Jury Selection Begins

NEW YORK (CBS/WCBS/AP) A mental patient accused of killing a Manhattan psychiatrist two years ago spent the first day of his jury selection blowing kisses in the air, making grabbing motions, and muttering quietly while seated at the defense table.

According to The New York Post, David Tarloff's defense attorney Bryan Konoski claimed his client, a schizophrenic murder suspect, was "not having a good day" Tuesday.

Tarloff hopes to be found not guilty by reason of insanity for the February 2008 meat-cleaver killing of Kathryn Faughey.

The 42-year-old, who has a long history of psychiatric hospitalizations, told police that he had set out to the East 79th Street offices to rob Faughey's colleague, Dr. Kent Shinbach.

However, Tarloff's plans went awry and he ended up murdering Faughey and assaulting Shinbach.

According to The New York Post, Tarloff, who claims God gave him permission to kidnap and rob Shinbach, was scheming to use the money to take his mother out of a Queens nursing home and move with her to Hawaii.

Jury selection will most likely take the remainder of this week, with opening statements to begin sometime next week, says the newspaper.