State v. Hinkle

Charles Hinkle's (defendant) car crashed into another vehicle, killing an occupant; Hinkle testified he was unconscious at the time, corroborated by two other witnesses, and a medical expert testified an undiagnosable brain disorder could have caused the loss of consciousness. Because prior West Virginia cases had folded unconsciousness claims into the insanity defense, Hinkle pleaded insanity, and the judge instructed the jury only that Hinkle suffered from a cognitive disorder. The jury convicted Hinkle, and he appealed.