Psychiatrists testify in McCandless woman's drowning trial
"Psychiatrists from both sides agree that Laurel Michelle Schlemmer knew what she was doing was wrong when she drowned two of her sons in their McCandless bathtub three years ago...
Dr. Wettstein testified Friday about Ms. Schlemmer’s medical history, including three miscarriages, and noted that her husband didn’t believe in birth control. Over the years, he continued, she had been treated with psychologists and a social worker before the boys’ deaths, but never with a psychiatrist. Ms. Schlemmer told him her husband didn’t believe in psychotropic medications...
Dr. Wright, who testified for the prosecution, said the actions Ms. Schlemmer took in the 2013 incident and in the drowning required specific planning.
“It’s my opinion she had the capacity to complete premeditated and very deliberate acts,” Dr. Wright said. “These were acts that were motivated by a deliberate, conscious, premeditated thought....
“She lied to cover it up.”
During closing arguments Friday afternoon, Mr. Machen said his client is conceding criminal liability.
“She does not contest the facts,” Mr. Machen said.
“Recognizing,” the judge interrupted, “that the facts are largely uncontestable?”
“Yes, your honor,” Mr. Machen continued...
“I agree with the experts who say that the incident in the car was a cry for help, and that it was a systematic failure of the defendant’s father, family, church and CYF to protect these children,” Ms. Pellegrini said.
But, the judge interrupted, “The bottom line is, a mother is supposed to protect her children.”
“The guilt for the deaths of Luke and Daniel lies solely with the defendant,” the prosecutor said in agreement."
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/n...al-pittsburgh-mccandless/stories/201703100180
