Woman who killed two men in south Lincoln found not responsible by reason of insanity

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A woman who killed two men by running them over in south Lincoln has been acquitted on grounds of insanity.

Judge Ryan Post ruled on Friday that Taylor Bradley murdered Christopher Karmazin and Ronald Gonzalez Rivas.

But Post found that Bradley “was experiencing prominent delusions, a manic episode, and psychosis” at the time.

SEE ALSO: ‘Profound tragedy’: Lincoln woman goes on trial in killings of two men at apartment complex

The ruling said her mental disease prevented her understanding the consequences of her actions and the difference between right and wrong.

“Therefore, the Court finds the Defendant not responsible by reason of insanity and acquits the Defendant solely on the grounds of insanity,” Post wrote.

SEE ALSO: One year later and still no trial: Wife of Lincoln homicide victim has lost hope

The murders happened on March 27, 2023, at The Lodge apartment complex at 40th Street and Nebraska Parkway.

Bradley intentionally ran over Karmazin and Gonzalez Rivas, who were maintenance workers at the complex.

She also tried to run over a third maintenance worker, Robert Sargent, who quit his job because of the reminders of his co-workers’ brutal deaths.

SEE ALSO: ‘I replay it in my mind’: Man haunted by memories of killings at Lincoln apartment complex

At her first court appearance that month, Bradley was agitated, screaming, “I am on drugs!” and cursing at the judge.

After her first psychological examination, she was found mentally incompetent to stand trial.

But in September, a judge ruled that she was competent and could be tried.

Post set a hearing for June 11 to determine whether Bradley is a threat to herself or others.

SEE ALSO: Woman charged in Lincoln double homicide will use insanity defense