South Florida jury rejects insanity defense, convicts Zachary Penna of 2 murders

Penna’s lawyer argued the defendant was insane and following “voices” when he stabbed the couple to death.

"Zachary Penna believed that he was the reincarnation of the daughter of Ra, as in Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god," Assistant Public Defender Elizabeth Ramsey argued, WPEC reported.

The jury rejected that defense, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

After killing the two men, detectives said Penna drove to Boynton Beach and knocked over an 86-year-old woman and stole her purse, WPEC reported.

He then traveled north and was arrested in Titusville, allegedly after stabbing a contractor at Space Coast Regional Airport, WFTV reported.