Thursday, September 14, 2017

2008-M-073             Jairam Ganpat, petitioner, Appellant, vs. State of Minnesota, Respondent.

On March 31, 2005, Ganpat was indicted for first-degree premeditated murder, second-degree intentional murder, and second-degree unintentional felony murder, for the death of his girlfriend, Moonku Persaud.  Before trial, the district court ordered that Ganpat undergo a psychiatric and psychological evaluation to determine whether he was competent to stand trial.   Ganpat was examined by a court-appointed psychologist, a psychologist selected by Ganpat’s counsel, and a forensic psychiatrist on behalf of the State.  All three mental health experts testified at a competency hearing, and the district court found Ganpat competent to stand trial.  At trial Ganpat did not assert a defense of not guilty by reason of mental deficiency or illness.  

After a 4-day trial, a Dakota County jury found Ganpat guilty of all charges.  The district court sentenced Ganpat to life in prison for his first-degree murder conviction.  On direct appeal, in which he was represented by counsel, Ganpat argued “that the district court erred (1) by concluding that he was competent to stand trial and (2) denying his motion to suppress statements he made to police.”

The Court held that the district court’s summary denial of appellant’s petition for post-conviction relief was not erroneous.  The Court held that:  (1) Ganpat ‘s right to due process was not violated because his mental examination was conducted in jail; (2) Ganpat ‘s right to equal protection was not violated because no psychiatric experts testified at his trial; and (3) Ganpat ‘s convictions did not violate the Double Jeopardy Clause of the United States Constitution.

Russell Anderson (Page, Paul Anderson, Meyer, Barry Anderson, Gildea, and Dietzen)
[MURDER}

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