CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - A 19-year-old Casper man accused of raping and attempting to murder a girl has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental deficiency of illness.
Brandtly Bedsaul on Tuesday enter the pleas to four counts before a Natrona County District Court judge on Tuesday.
A judge ordered Bedsaul to undergo a mental evaluation at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston.
Bedsaul is charged with attempted murder by strangulation, sex abuse of a minor, aggravated assault and aggravated child abuse in connection to the Sept. 28 incident.
Court records show that the victim was one of several children attending a gathering in September at the Casper home where Bedsaul lives. Someone noticed the girl was missing, went outside and saw Bedsaul with his hands around the girl’s neck.
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