The lawyer for the man accused of killing his wife and 5-year-old son is blaming psychosis caused by COVID for his client’s actions.

Nelson Patino is charged in the December killings in his Duanesburg home.

The Times Union was first to report that defense attorney Michael McDermott plans to call a psychiatrist to testify that psychosis including hallucinations is what led to the stabbings.

NewsChannel 13’s Stella Porter spoke to local attorney Paul DerOhannesian, who said that psychosis defenses are tough. The defendant has the burden of proving based upon a preponderance of the evidence that he or she suffers from a mental disease or defect and because of that couldn’t understand the nature and consequences or the conduct or distinguish right from wrong.