Forensic doc disputes claim Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka is unfit to stand trial

Published May. 18, 2016 3:00 p.m. ET

Barry Werner

The issue of whether Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka is fit to stand trial in the 1983 death of his girlfriend Nancy Argento continued in a Pennsylvania courtroom Wednesday. The prosecution put forensic psychologist Dr. John O'Brien on the stand and he disputed the assertion that the former wrestling superstar was unfit to stand trial.

Snuka, 72, faces third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in the 1983 death of his girlfriend Nancy Argentino at a motor lodge in Pennsylvania.

That was in stark contrast to the testimony last week of defense expert Frank Dattilio, who said Snuka is a "shell of a man" who does not know why he is in court.

A psychologist, Dattilio, told a Judge Kelly Banachthat Snuka has suffered brain damage beyond repair from his decades-long wrestling career. Dattilio added that Snuka is a "shell of a man" suffering from dementia and is "worsening by the month."

Dattilio added Snuka suffers from years of alcohol and cocaine abuse.