Accused Erie killer’s IQ could spare him the death penalty

ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Defense attorneys for an Erie man accused of killing an 86-year-old woman during a burglary and robbery are trying to prove he’s too mentally disabled to face the death penalty.

The attorneys for 22-year-old Willie Baker want a judge to approve $4,000 in county funds so they can hire an expert to determine his mental capacity. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2002 ruled that execution of mentally disabled people illegal.

Baker is accused of killing Anne Ropelewski on Sept. 13 after robbing her of $45. Police say Ropelewski was stabbed 22 times, including with pruning shears, and hit with a claw hammer.

Baker is in the Erie County Prison awaiting trial.

A judge hasn’t immediately ruled on the request for the money.