Posted on 03/04/2011 1:08:18 PM PST by Second Amendment First
Todd Shepard is delusional with paranoid thoughts but knows right from wrong, a psychiatrist testified today in a hearing on whether Shepard should be sentenced to death for killing a University City police sergeant.
Dr. Robert Phillips also told the court that Shepard is above average in intelligence and could be treated if he would cooperate.
Under cross examination by St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert P. McCulloch over whether Shepard knew what he was doing when he shot Sgt. Michael King, Phillips replied, "No question."
Sarah Henderson, Shepard's youngster sister, described him as a protector for her, who was generous in buying her dresses for dances. "He was the best brother I could have asked for," she said.
Crying, Henderson told the jury, "Todd's life still has value. He's still a human being despite his problems. I just ask that you don't sentence my brother to death."
The jury which convicted Shepard on Thursday of first-degree murder is expected to decide on the death penalty issue later today.
(Excerpt) Read more at stltoday.com ...
You have to read the whole story to appreciate how evil is this guy. Hope he gets the death penalty.
I have a question for everyone:
Lets say a person “doesn’t know right from wrong” or “is mentally unfit to stand trial”, or any of the other myriad ways out of conviction/incarceration/execution sometimes seen in such cases -
How does this make that perpetrator any less of a danger to society?
If some nutso or mentally retarded person kills one of my loved ones - are they any less dead than if a “sane” highly intelligent individual committed the crime?
While I can see if a person is so mentally dim that they wouldn’t comprehend being in jail/prison... does society not still need to be protected from them? Even more-so, are such individuals less likely to be successfully “rehabilitated” because of their lack of ability to grasp right from wrong in the first place?
Charlie Manson knew right from wrong too. That’s why he was hiding in that cabinet the day they searched Spahn ranch.
It does not mean they are not a danger to society if they are mentally ill, just that they are incapable of exerising what we would call rational judgement if they are truly crazy. They will be put away regardless, but with treatment as well.
At the other end of the spectrum, is this cold, calculating killer looking to start a race war, and seeking out a target of opportunity. He needs to be put down.
Forgot to add they consider Charlie a paranoid schizophrenic.
I wonder if his sinoatrial node knows the difference between normal blood and potassium hydroxide.
Yeah, and normally I’d side with the victim’s family.
However, through my own personal dealings with St Louis’ “finest”, I can tell you my only surprise is that this didn’t happen sooner, and that this doesn’t happen more often.
These power-tripping STL cops tend to act as judge, jury and executioners..and disregard obvious flaws in the warrants they serve. Sorry his wife is suffering, but you go to bed with a whore, don’t come whining when you wake up with a STD.
But whatever....I’m sure the perp was evil. Takes one to know one.
I agree with you, but current belief seems to require “intent” and “intent” can’t be there if the perp doesn’t know right from wrong.
To the best of my knowledge, danger to society or to guards and other inmates is never considered.
"By testifying, Shepard opened himself to the revelation to the jury that he has past drug arrests, and is serving a 23-year sentence on a federal drug conviction."
Frequently, the jury is not told of the criminal background of the defendent unless the judge thinks it is relevent to the case, so as not to prejudice the jury. In this case, the defendent opened that door himself.
That part I knew. The puzzler I was referring to was the part about how he's serving a 23-year federal sentence.
That part I knew. The puzzler I was referring to was the part about how he's serving a 23-year federal sentence.
Sorry you have had a bad experience with the cops there, but you’re painting with a pretty broad brush. Unless this cop had committed premeditated murder in the past, he didn’t deserve this.
I avoid the city as much as I can so I don’t have to deal wih power trippers on either side of the law. Now if they were coming through my door in the middle of the night, I would react with deadly force no matter who it is and what they’re hollering.
Since the shooting occured over two years ago, my guess is that he was tried and found guilty of the other offense in the interim.
Again, normally I’d side with law enforcement...BUT
After I’d filed my complaints and requests for protection at County - Crestwood Cops have to guard the mall & can’t be bothered to verify ANYTHING.
and still, they took my out of state ex’s word & falsified paperwork over mine.
Whatever...that entire town’s law enforcement can take a swirl, for all I care.
However, through my own personal dealings with St Louis’ “finest”, blah, blah, blah . . .
This was U. City anyway, not STL.
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