Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, August 14, 2026 —

A Brooklyn Park man, Christopher Dewayne Rice, has been found not guilty by reason of mental illness in connection with a 2021 fatal hit-and-run incident and a 2020 carjacking case. The determination was made by a judge who concluded that Rice was experiencing psychosis and schizophrenia at the time of the alleged offenses.

According to the court’s findings, Rice’s mental state during the incidents meant he was unaware that his actions were wrong. This legal finding absolves him of criminal responsibility for the charges he faced.

Following the verdict, Rice has been placed under civil commitment. He is currently being held as mentally ill and dangerous, indicating ongoing concerns for public safety and Rice’s own well-being.

The fatal hit-and-run occurred in 2021, and the carjacking incident took place in 2020. The specific details surrounding the circumstances of these events, including the identity of the victim in the hit-and-run and the details of the carjacking, were not provided in the summary.

The court’s decision highlights the legal standard for the insanity defense, which often requires proof that the defendant lacked the mental capacity to understand the nature or wrongfulness of their actions due to a severe mental disease or defect.

Rice’s continued civil commitment means he will remain under the supervision of mental health professionals and the legal system to ensure he receives appropriate treatment and to prevent potential future harm. The duration and specifics of this commitment will be subject to ongoing legal and medical reviews.



Story summarized from the original created by Emily Baude on kstp.com, see more information here.

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