OSAKA -- Lawyers for the man accused of murdering eight children at an elementary school in Osaka Prefecture last year urged the defendant in court Monday to describe his state of mind and the way it was formed.
It is rare for defense lawyers to openly direct their clients to speak in court.
The lawyers also urged the Osaka District Court to consider how Mamoru Takuma's personality was formed and how this led to the stabbing spree. Takuma, however, provided no testimony during Monday's hearing.