No decision yet on defense in NY hotel castration

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s not yet clear whether a Portuguese model will pursue a psychiatric defense against charges he castrated and murdered a TV journalist in a New York City hotel room. But his lawyer expects to decide within three weeks.

Renato Seabra was in court Friday for a brief update on the case.

Lawyer David Touger says a psychiatrist is due to evaluate Seabra next week for his defense.

Seabra is being held in a psychiatric hospital jail ward. Touger says the 21-year-old is faring all right considering his situation.

Police say Seabra told them he choked, stabbed and stomped 65-year-old Carlos Castro on Jan 7 in the hotel room after an argument.

Friends said the two were a couple. Seabra’s mother has said they weren’t.