Fmr. Michigan State football player found not guilty by reason of insanity in Ill. murder case

Fmr. MSU player found insane in Ill. murder case

WHEATON, Ill. — A former Michigan State football player charged with murder for throwing a neighbor from a third-floor apartment balcony has been found not guilty by reason of insanity.

An Illinois judge on Thursday ruled Hubert D. Thompson was insane when he hurled 66-year-old James Malone to his death March 30, 2007. Thompson will be confined to a high-security state mental institution and receive treatment.

A psychologist testified that Thompson was delusional and paranoid. Thompson had said he believed Malone was trying to kill him.

Thompson was once the nation’s top-rated defensive end prospect. He was ejected from the 2000 Citrus Bowl for fighting with a Florida offensive lineman. He also spent two days at a New Orleans Saints mini-camp, but was cut for starting a fight over use of an exercise bike.