HIV-positive assault suspect may plead insanity

A man accused of having sex with two men without telling them he has the virus that causes AIDS is considering pleading insanity. A stay has been granted in Zuriel E. Roush’s case as he undergoes mental evaluations, according to court documents. Roush, 22, appeared before Spokane County Superior Court Judge Ellen Kalama Clark Wednesday on a second charge of first-degree assault, which came after family members of an ex-boyfriend recognized Roush from news reports of his arrest in May. “It appears that as a result of mental disease or defect (Roush) is incapable of aiding counsel in his own defense or understanding the proceedings against him,” according to a motion by public defender Anna Nordtvedt. Terence Ryan of the Counsel for Defense has since taken over Roush’s defense. Roush remains in Spokane County Jail on $150,000 bail.