A former University of Arizona graduate student is currently on trial for the shooting death of a professor on campus two years ago. The defendant, 48-year-old Murad Dervish, is facing seven felony charges, including first-degree murder in the killing of 52-year-old Thomas Meixner.
During the trial, the defense argued that Dervish was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time of the shooting, while the prosecution maintained that the crime was premeditated. Prosecutor Mark Hotchkiss stated that Dervish shot the professor 11 times and had purchased a handgun a month prior to the incident, indicating premeditation.
Defense attorney Leo Masursky contended that Dervish should be found 'guilty except insane to second-degree murder,' citing severe mental health issues that impaired his ability to distinguish right from wrong.
Meixner, the victim, was a respected figure at the university, heading the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences and specializing in desert water issues. Dervish was enrolled in the master's degree program in atmospheric sciences within the same department.
Prior to the shooting, Dervish had been banned from the university for ongoing conflicts with professors and had been the subject of reports of harassment and threats to staff members. Witnesses testified that Dervish wore a disguise when he shot Meixner outside his office and then fled the scene.
Following the shooting, Dervish was apprehended by Arizona state troopers on a highway over 120 miles away from Tucson. A loaded handgun found in his vehicle matched the ammunition used in the shooting. Psychologist Gavin Baker diagnosed Dervish with schizophrenia, major depression, paranoia, and delusions.
The trial, which lasted nine days, saw various motions from Dervish, including requests for different defense attorneys and a mistrial, all of which were denied by the presiding judge.
