Defense Attorney: Man Accused Of Shooting, Killing Teacher Battling Depression
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The psychological health of Pine Springs man accused of shooting and killing a Cottage Grove teacher last weekend is under evaluation, according to his defense attorney.
Baily Garcia, 19, is accused of killing David Frigaard in a drive-by shooting in Washington County Saturday. He has been charged with second-degree murder.
Frigaard, 46, was found dead in his truck early around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, just blocks away from the bar he owned in Mahtomedi.
The criminal complaint says Garcia had a fight with his father and brother and had been drinking before he parked near Stillwater Road and Mahtomedi Avenue. That's where he saw Frigaard's truck come to a stop sign.
The complaint says Garcia shot at the truck with his rifle and took off. He told police that he was intoxicated and suicidal as he fired his rifle.
Defense attorney Ryan Pacyga said they are evaluating Garcia's mental health to determine whether he is competent to participate in the trial.
"In addition, given the report of his suicidal ideation, we need to explore whether he was suffering from a mental illness or cognitive impairment at the time of the alleged crime," Pacyga said.
Pacyga said Garcia has battled severe depression throughout his life.
Frigaard was a well-known art teacher at Park High School in Cottage Grove.
Police arrested Bailey Garcia hours after the shooting after he crashed his car.
He's being held on $2 million bond.
