Justices Hear Whether New Schizophrenia Evidence Warrants New Trial in Lauren Astley Murder

Chief Justice Spud and the court heard competing arguments Wednesday over whether newly obtained psychiatric evidence should require a new trial for Nathaniel Fujita, who was convicted in the killing of Lauren Astley. Robert Shaw, attorney for Fujita, told the justices that “the record before this court contains an enormous amount of new evidence, evidence grounded in medical consensus, treatment records, science, and expert testimony,” and that the evidence “clinically confirms that Mr. Fujita is schizophrenic.”

Shaw said the motion judge erred by resolving expert credibility on the motion’s prejudice question rather than leaving credibility disputes to a jury. He urged the court to view the newly submitted medical records and expert affidavits in the light most favorable to the defendant and to remand for further proceedings, arguing the new evidence was material and undiscoverable at trial.

The Commonwealth, represented by Assistant District Attorney Ryan Rall, defended the motion judge’s decision to deny a new trial. Rall told the justices that the judge reasonably evaluated the record — including New Hampshire treatment records and later institutional behavior that the Commonwealth said showed exaggeration or malingering — and correctly concluded the defendant had not carried the burden required to overturn the conviction. “This court should affirm the conviction for the brutal murder of Lauren Astley by Nathaniel Fujita, affirm the denial of the motion for new trial,” Rall said.

Why the issue matters: The appeal raises a recurring legal question in…