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.
So? He's an animal. Fry him.
Unfortunately, we full, well know that our 'hopes' will be dashed. Too bad, too, these scourges of the earth.
Oh, yeah, they have offspring. I believe that "Reggie" (cute, eh?) has 3 children from 2 different mothers. Super.
How about, "Repeatedly anally raped by dogs, beaten to a bloody pulp with a golf club, emasculated with a rusty spoon, flayed, drawn and quartered, and head placed on a pike at the entrance to the city while trying to escape."
I know I'd not shed a tear.
Just checking.
I believe that a rabid dog has "brain damage, and psychological problems" and we solve them by putting the rabid dog down.
Is there any real difference between a rabid dog and the Carr brothers?
Take it out and send it to me...
I'll hook it up to the Jeep's battery with some jumper cables and see if that fixes it.
If that doesn't fix it I'll feed it to the cat.
Yes, I know. I just find it somewhat ironic.
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