Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Expert: Carr's brain wired for violence [Wichita Massacre]
The Wichita Eagle ^ | 11/09/02 | Ron Sylvester

Posted on 11/09/2002 8:21:04 AM PST by KS Flyover

A neuropsychologist who examined Reginald Carr testified Friday that brain damage, psychological problems, alcohol and drugs all could have come into play the night he and his brother terrorized, robbed, raped and shot five people execution style in a snowy soccer complex Dec 15, 2000.

"Reggie's brain is geared for not only bad behavior, but terrible behavior," said Mitchel Woltersdorf, who specializes in brain-disorderpsychology.

He testified in the penalty phase of Reginald and Jonathan Carr's trial. They both face the death penalty for the shootings, which left four people dead.

A psychologist who examined Jonathan Carr is expected to take the stand when court resumes Tuesday in Judge Paul Clark's courtroom.

As with a forensic psychologist who testified Thursday, Woltersdorf's evaluation wasn't meant to excuse Reginald Carr's crimes, but to explain what could have led him to such violent actions.

Woltersdorf saw three areas that could have provided the right mixture for deadly rage:

Brain damage, possibly from an injury as a child, to the part of the brain just above the ears, which operates memory and helps assess risky situations.

Antisocial personality disorder, or what some people might refer to as a sociopath, which impairs abilities to manage anger and respect authorities, laws and people.

Drug use, which could have combined with the brain injury to spark violence.

Reginald Carr, 24, told Woltersdorf that he had drunkalcohol and smoked marijuana during a weeklong crime spree that ended with the quadruple homicide.

When treating patients with traumatic brain injuries, such as Reginald Carr's, Woltersdorf said he prescribes a lifestyle abstaining from toxic stimulants and depressants such as caffeine, alcohol and other drugs.

"The three enemies of traumatic brain injuries are stress, fatigue and toxins," Woltersdorf said.

But with the antisocial disorder the psychologist found through extensive testing, Woltersdorf said Reginald Carr probably wouldn't have followed any treatment regimen, including taking mood control and anger management drugs.

One of the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder is rebelling against authority. Doctors are authority figures.

"So he probably wouldn't have followed the doctor's orders," Woltersdorf said.

Personality disorders are pervasive psychological problems that often have no treatments or effective regimens of therapy. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by professional psychiatrists and psychologists associations as including a pattern of disregard for other people, their value and their rights.

"Antisocial would explain most of the facts of this case," Woltersdorf said under cross-examination.

It also might help explain Reginald Carr's actions in the courtroom during the trial. Authorities say he has harassed prosecutors and threatened courtroom and jail guards. He also has winked and smiled at families of the victims he and his younger brother are convicted of raping, robbing and killing. He has shown no remorse.

"He sees his behavior as normal, no matter what it is," Woltersdorf said under cross-examination.

The state knew Reginald Carr suffered from the disorder four years before the crimes that have him now facing the possibility of execution.

According to information provided by Kevin O'Connor, chief litigator for the Sedgwick County District Attorney, a state psychological report in 1996 diagnosed Reginald Carr as antisocial. The report, prepared when Reginald Carr was imprisoned on theft and drug charges, profiled him as "self-centered and poorly socialized... concerned with immediate gratification."

Woltersdorf also diagnosed Carr with chronic, low-grade depression and paranoia.

"Reggie has never, ever been a jubilant person," Woltersdorf said.

The psychologist said such patients, without intervention and proper lifestyle changes, either become passive and docile or rage with violence. It's impossible to predict which way anyone will go, Woltersdorf said.


Reach Ron Sylvester at 268-6514 or rsylvester@wichitaeagle.com.



TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Front Page News; News/Current Events; US: Kansas
KEYWORDS: carr; kansas; wichita; wichitamassacre
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-34 next last
For detais about the murders see: The Wichita Massacre

Wichita Massacre Trial Threads:
Wichita to revisit brutal slayings as testimony begins - 10/07/02
Deputy recalls moment of discovering bodies [Wichita Murders] Day 1 - 10/07/02
WICHITA MASSACRE TRIAL UNDERWAY Day 1 - 10/08/02
Legal wrangling opens Carr trial [Wichita Murders] Day 1 - 10/08/02
Carr trial: Survivor describes sexual attacks by armed intruders [Wichita Massacre] Day 2 - 10/09/02
Witchita Case of Black Racist Crime Survivor's testimony horrifies courtroom Day 2 - 10/10/02
Woman testifies that Carrs killed her friends in a soccer field [Wichita Massacre Day 3] - 10/10/02
Prosecutors Downplay Racial Element in Kansas Murder Trial - 10/11/02
Reginald Carr had $996, victims' credit card, watch [Wichita Massacre Day 4] - 10/11/02
Wichita Massacre Audio of 911 Call by Female Survivor with Court Room Video Footage From Day 1- 10/11/02
Victims' belongings linked to defendant [Wichita Massacre Day 5] - 10/12/02
Trial opens window into night of fear - 10/13/02
Media Ignore Kansas Interracial Mass Murder - 10/14/02
AP Finally Reports Wichita Trial... But Mentions "White Supremacist" Support - 10/14/02
Nosey mom tips off cops (Wichita Massacre) Day 6 - 10/15/02
'I was afraid,' witness says [Wichita Massacre Day 6] - 10/15/02
ATM photos shown in Carr trial [Wichita Massacre Day 7] - 10/16/02
Testimony on cellist slaying fills Carr trial [Wichita Massacre Day 8] - 10/17/02
Survivor says she caught STD [Wichita Massacre Day 9] - 10/18/02
Carr trial to focus on guns and DNA [Wichita Massacre Day 10] - 10/19/02
Luck, vivid memories helped cops [Wichita Massacre] - 10/20/02
Wichita Massacre -- The Latest in the Black Racist Hate Crime Trial - Carrs linked to crime scene - Day 11 - 10/22/02
Hate crime reversed - By Armstrong Williams - 10/23/02
Evidence in Carr trial gruesome, unavoidable [Wichita Massacre Day 12] - 10/23/02
Jurors view Wichita crime scenes / DNA ties Carrs to victims [Wichita Massacre day 13] - 10/24/02
State to rest case against the Carrs [Wichita Massacre Day 14] - 10/25/02
State rests; Carrs begin their side [Wichita Massacre Day 15] - 10/26/02
DNA lets the dead speak in Carr trial [Wichita Massacre] - 10/27/02
Carr jurors get break as deliberation rules ironed out [Wichita Massacre] - 10/28/02
Multiple-killings suspect unlikely to testify [Wichita Massacre] - 10/29/02
Survivor's police interview rattles Carr trial jurors [Wichita Massacre Day 16] - 10/30/02
Carrs' defense rests; jury deliberation near [Wichita Massacre Day 17] - 10/31/02
Deliberations begin in Carr trial - Closing arguments move juror to tears [Wichita Massacre Day 18] - 11/01/02
Carr jury recesses for weekend [Wichita Massacre] - 11/02/02
Behind the scenes during the Carr trial [Wichita Massacre] - 11/03/02

Carr Brothers Guilty! - Carr Brothers GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY! - Carr Brothers Found Guilty of Capital Murder - 11/04/02
The Killing Of Matthew Shepard Was A Free Political Commercial - By an amused spectator - 11/04/02
GUILTY - Now jury decides if they will live or die [Wichita Massacre] - 11/05/02
Defense Seeks Mercy in Kan. Murders [Wichita Horror] - 11/05/02
Carrs' mother testifies [Wichita Massacre] - 11/06/02
Hanging Carr effigies offend some in area [Wichita Massacre] - 11/07/02
Carr brothers not monsters, women insist [Wichita Massacre] - 11/07/02
Ugly - Let's avoid offensive racial overtones in Carr trial [Wichita Massacre][BARF ALERT!] - 11/07/02
Winona and the Wichita massacre - By Michelle Malkin - 11/08/02
Psychologist details Carr's troubled childhood [Wichita Massacre] - - 11/08/02
Psychologist: Abuse made Carr violent [Wichita Massacre] - 11/08/02
Police: Display not a hate crime [Wichita Massacre] - 11/09/02


1 posted on 11/09/2002 8:21:04 AM PST by KS Flyover
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: TroutStalker; alfa6; mjaneangels@aolcom; carlo3b; dennisw; Judith Anne; AK2KX; sheik yerbouty; ...
    "Wichita Massacre" murder trial "Ping List"

Please let me know if you want on (or off) this list.


2 posted on 11/09/2002 8:21:54 AM PST by KS Flyover
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
Well then we need to fry his "brain" in the electric chair.
3 posted on 11/09/2002 8:23:33 AM PST by Drango
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
So much more evidence that the Carr brothers need to die and soon.

Eaker

4 posted on 11/09/2002 8:23:34 AM PST by Eaker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Drango
You just beat me to it.

THIS should rewire what ails them.

5 posted on 11/09/2002 8:25:16 AM PST by martin_fierro
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
I have a cure for this debilitating disorder. You shave your head, sit in this chair and they put a big electrode over your head. 250,000 volts later. Your cured.
6 posted on 11/09/2002 8:26:30 AM PST by Lance Romance
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Lance Romance
"You shave your head, sit in this chair and they put a big electrode over your head. 250,000 volts later. Your cured."

Well, it looks like he's off to a good start.


7 posted on 11/09/2002 8:32:52 AM PST by KS Flyover
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
Woltersdorf's evaluation wasn't meant to excuse Reginald Carr's crimes, but to explain what could have led him to such violent actions.

Yeah, right. If you believe that I've got some land in Florida for you.

Just another example of the Liberal's standard ploy to allow violent criminals to escape justice and return them to the streets where they can terrorize more citizens.

8 posted on 11/09/2002 8:34:04 AM PST by jimkress
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
The main issue a jury must consider in the penalty phase of a death penalty case in Texas is whether the Defendant represents a future danger to society. I assume the issue in Kansas is similar.

I can't see how it helps the defense to put on a psychologist who basically testifies that the obviously guilty Defendant's brain is "wired for violence" and he views rape, kidnapping and murder as "normal" behavior. Some lawyers simply cannot resist putting on evidence when it is their turn. They convince themselves the evidence somehow helps when it clearly does not.

In any event, let's hope these dirt-bags get juiced as soon as possible.

9 posted on 11/09/2002 8:39:13 AM PST by San Jacinto
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Drango
Well then we need to fry his "brain" in the electric chair.

Yes, often times electro-shock thearpy helps in these situations....
10 posted on 11/09/2002 8:41:57 AM PST by Welsh Rabbit
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
In "People of the Lie", Scott Peck, M.D., points out that modern psychologists are not equipped to diagnose or deal with evil people. They do not have the category "evil" in their lexicon.

Scott contends that there are some people who just clearly fit the mold.
11 posted on 11/09/2002 8:46:44 AM PST by the_Watchman
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: the_Watchman
BTW: Peck's book, The Road Less Travelled, is also an excellent book, but on healthy mental attitudes for a Christian.
12 posted on 11/09/2002 8:48:40 AM PST by the_Watchman
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: Welsh Rabbit
The Wichita State Shockers.

(The actual nickname for WSU teams.)

13 posted on 11/09/2002 8:56:09 AM PST by Charles Henrickson
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: Drango
You're right and if Carr's brain is wired for violence then the only therapy is to wire his body for the electric chair.
14 posted on 11/09/2002 8:57:20 AM PST by RWG
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
Nice. Woltersdorf even refers to this pig with a cute little nickname...REGGIE

I heard on FOXnews yesterday, that the younger of the 2 pigs asked someone (can't remember who) whether or not it "hurts" when you are put to sleep.

15 posted on 11/09/2002 9:07:31 AM PST by IamHD
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: IamHD
---whether or not it "hurts" when you are put to sleep---

In this case lets hope so!!!!
16 posted on 11/09/2002 9:10:15 AM PST by Rightly Biased
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: IamHD
From this thread:
Jonathan Carr then remembered another quadruple homicide the week before. On Dec 7, police found four teenagers shot to death in a house on North Erie Avenue. Two men were arrested.

"What happened to those boys who shot those kids?" Carr wondered.

They've been charged with capital murder, Otis explained.

"What's capital murder?"

Well, anyone convicted of capital murder, Otis told him, could get the death penalty.

"How's that done?"

Lethal injection.

Jonathan Carr pondered Otis' answer. Then, just before the nurse called him into the exam room, he asked:

When you're executed, "do you feel anything?"


17 posted on 11/09/2002 9:20:06 AM PST by KS Flyover
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
Woltersdorf's evaluation wasn't meant to excuse Reginald Carr's crimes, but to explain what could have led him to such violent actions.

Well, that will make for nice parlor-room conversation. But for now, we have two rabid animals to dispose of.

Criminal intent + criminal act = crime. Crime merits punishment. Severe crime merits severe punishment. Ultimate crime merits ultimate punishment. This is ultimate crime.

18 posted on 11/09/2002 9:22:22 AM PST by IronJack
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: KS Flyover
"Shot while trying to escape"

This afternoon whould be fine.

19 posted on 11/09/2002 9:25:00 AM PST by RodgerD
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: IamHD
Well... now we have the professional scoop on 'Reggie'.
And of course we must also assume the 2nd Carr also suffers from this same 'brain damage' - since he seemed to have no trouble fully participating in these crimes. Are they trying to find a way to say that this is genetic in this family? Have these two produced offspring.?
I don't think they really want to go there and quite frankly I don't want to either.

Call it what you want. These two are evil. Regardless of what happened to them in their childhood - (and it was bad), They chose to torture and kill for fun and profit.
They need to go.

20 posted on 11/09/2002 9:33:28 AM PST by Route66
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-34 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson