Criminal: November 2009 Archives

Prosecutors will be allowed to use all of their intended witnesses in the upcoming competency hearing of accused Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Brian David Mitchell, including their forensic psychiatry expert witness, Dr. Michael Welner.  Welner, a renowned forensic psychiatrist from New York City, has prepared a 206-page report on Mitchell in which he concludes Mitchell is competent to stand trial. In his report, Welner lists 161 sources of information, according to court records.

On Monday, U.S. Magistrate Dale Kimball denied several motions by Mitchell aimed at preventing the testimonies of Welner.  With the exception of Smart, who already delivered her testimony in October, and growing speculation that co-defendant Wanda Barzee will take the stand against her estranged husband, Welner is expected to be the government's key witness during the competency hearing.

Excerpted from deseretnews.com.