Case Histories and Results - William F. Nimmo

Murder - Stabbing in Heart

The defendant was charged with murder by intentionally killing her boyfriend during an argument in their home. The argument began while the boyfriend was cutting vegetables with a paring knife. The defendant picked up the knife and stabbed the boyfriend in the chest severing a major artery.

The victim died immediately and when the police arrived the defendant told different stories about what happened. The defense hired renowned Pittsburgh pathologist Cyril Wecht who was able to show that the stabbing was an accident. The angle of the knife entry was inconsistent with how one would intentionally stab someone in the chest.

In addition, because of prior physical abuse the defendant had an exaggerated startle response. A well known and well respected psychiatrist testified that her history of abuse made her more prone to involuntary extreme reactions. The jury found her not guilty of murder and guilty on involuntary manslaughter, an accidental killing. She was given credit for the time she served awaiting trial.