Woman Deemed Insane in Killing of Companion, 81

A woman who pleaded guilty to murder has been found not guilty by reason of insanity in the stabbing death of her 81-year-old companion at his San Francisco Bay Area home.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports the verdict was announced Friday against 58-year-old Diane Sydenham of Albany.

Prosecutors say the judge's ruling means Sydenham will stay out of prison and will be institutionalized indefinitely.

The body of James Durkin, a retired psychologist and advocate for Parkinson's disease patients, was found in August 2012 at his home in the Kensington area.

He had been stabbed in the heart with 6-inch steak knife.

Prosecutor Mary Knox says there was "no seemingly rational motive."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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