Man seeks court psych defense

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) - Attorneys for an Orchard Park man accused of beheading his wife want to pursue a psychiatric defense.

They're asking the courts to give their client, 44-year-old Muzzammil Hassan, access to his bank accounts to pay for experts.

Investigators said Hassan beheaded his wife, Aasiya, in February of 2009.

Her body was found at the studios of Bridges Television, a Muslim TV network that the couple operated.

"The reality is that based on his name, based on the color of his skin, and based on the fear and the panic of all Americans of terrorists and Muslims. This man's got a difficult time as it is," Hassan's Attorney, Julie Atti Rogers explained.

Jury selection could get underway in September.