Du Pont Claim Clouds Hearing

Fri., May 31, 1996

Associated Press

In his first public statement since his arrest for murder, chemical heir John E. du Pont identified himself as the Dalai Lama in court Thursday and said he does not understand the U.S. legal system.

Faced with du Pont’s failure to participate in his arraignment, Common Pleas Judge Patricia H. Jenkins entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf on charges he shot to death Olympic wrestler David Schultz.

At one point, the judge reprimanded du Pont’s lawyers, accusing them of coaching their client to act strangely.

The heir to the chemical company fortune, having grown a beard since his last court appearance, waved to reporters while being escorted to the courtroom.

Du Pont, 57, faces first- and third-degree murder charges. He is accused of shooting Schultz to death on Jan. 26 on his estate in Newtown Square. Du Pont was captured following a standoff with police who surrounded his mansion for two days after the shooting.

Du Pont repeatedly said he does not understand the court proceedings, identifying himself at one point as the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama.

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Du Pont Claim Clouds Hearing

Jesse Tinsley

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