A southern New Jersey man has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the killing of his mother last year.
The Burlington County Times reports public defender Kevin Walker entered the plea Monday on behalf of 45-year-old Herbert Rowlette. Walker says he intends to pursue an insanity defense and says the Pemberton Township man will undergo a mental health evaluation.
Prosecutors say Roweltte called police in June 2014 to report that a killing occurred in the home he shared with his mother. Officers found 71-year-old Maryanne Rowlette lying on the living room floor.
The Burlington County medical examiner ruled that she died from blunt trauma and compression of the head and neck.
A status conference is set for July 20.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
