(Newser)
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Following a psychological evaluation, alleged New York subway pusher Erika Menendez has been cleared for trial, the New York Post reports. Menendez remains in the hospital, her attorney says. Her arraignment Jan. 29 for second-degree murder is likely also to address an outstanding reckless driving accusation. Meanwhile, the Post reveals more about her arrest: After being nabbed in the early morning hours in Brooklyn, she kept muttering to herself and asked where the R train was, insiders say.
At first she told police she hadn't been at the scene of the crime; at the time, she was smoking marijuana with a friend, she said. Later, however, she said, "I’ll just plead guilty," a prosecutor noted. She carried out the alleged hate crime "because I’d thought it’d be cool," she allegedly said. Neighbors called Menendez strange. "When she don’t take her medication, she goes really wacky," said her building's doorman.
