MILFORD, Conn. (AP) The lawyer for an Orange man accused of fatally beating his mother last year has indicated he intends to pursue an insanity defense.

The New Haven Register reports that 23-year-old Timothy Granata's lawyer has filed a notice that his defense will argue he has a ``mental disease or defect.''

Granata made a brief court appearance Thursday.

He pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the July death of 58-year-old Dr. Claudia Granata in the family home.

The prosecution has received two defense reports on Granata's mental health. The state must decide whether to agree with defense experts' conclusions or get its own team.

Granata was arrested the day of the slaying. He was found competent to face legal proceedings Dec. 29 after a competency evaluation.