UPDATE (1:38 p.m. TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH) - Kimberly Cargill, 45, told a forensic psychologist that she was sexually molested by a family member at the age of 11. Dr. Antoinette McGarahan, who spent most of the morning testifying for the defense, said that the defendant has a mental disorder, but not a mental illness.
The doctor testified that this could be one of the reasons that Ms. Cargill developed borderline personality disorder with anti-social and narcissistic tendencies. Dr. McGarahan also testified that Ms. Cargill knew right from wrong when she killed Cherry Walker on June 18, 2010.
"She's not insane," the doctor testified.
Dr. McGarahan testified that Ms. Cargill has moderate psychopathic tendencies. These individuals have some of the same problems as those with anti-social disorder.
"They tend to be glib, superficial and like to con others. They can also blend in with the rest of us, but they are more dangerous. They'll have your wallet before you know it," she said.
In his opening statements to the jury, defense attorney Brett Harrison said that the experts' testimony was not offered as an excuse, but to give them insight into why Ms. Cargill committed murder
TYLER (TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH) - Dr. Antoinette McGarahan, a forensic psychologist called by Kim Cargill's defense team, said the defendant has normal cognitive functioning and a 114 IQ, according to tests she administered to Cargill in September 2011.
The testimony came this morning in the sentencing phase of Cargill's trial. She was found guilty of capital murder in the death of Cherry Walker. The prosecution presented evidence last week in an attempt to persuade the jury to sentence Ms. Cargill to death. Ms. Cargill's defense is presenting its case this week in an attempt to win a sentence lesser than death.
The doctor said other tests revealed Cargill to be "chronically angry, hostile and very impulsive."
"Ms. Cargill has moderate psychopathic characteristics," the doctor testified.
