Doc: Mont Vernon Murder Suspect Talked Of Killing Folks
NASHUA, N.H. (AP) - A psychiatrist who met with Christopher Gribble two years before his role in a deadly home invasion says Gribble had talked of killing his parents.
Upon questioning by Gribble's attorney on Friday, Dr. Grace Tallarico said that Gribble did not express an intent to act out on his "homicidal ideation." Gribble told her his faith prevented him from killing his parents, Tallarico said.
In their counseling session, Gribble claimed his mother physically and emotionally abused him when he was younger, Tallarico said in Hillsborough County Superior Court. She added that she was "struck" by the lack of emotion Gribble displayed when he spoke of wanting to kill his parents.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports.
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Gribble, 21, has admitted he took part in the murder of 42-year-old Kimberly Cates and the maiming of her 11-year-old daughter, but he claims he was insane at the time in 2009.
Gribble was diagnosed with depressive disorder and emerging anti-social traits, Tallarico testified.
State prosecutors earlier Friday portrayed Gribble as a conniving criminal, not a delusional young man with any emerging psychopathic traits.
See: Prosecutor: Home Invasion Killer 'Chose To Be A Murderer'
In planning the home invasion in Mont Vernon, Gribble was calm and calculating, said Peter Hinckley, a prosecuting attorney. He said Gribble methodically prepared for the crimes, from stealing his dad's machete, to what gloves to wear, to what alibi to use afterward.
On cross examination, Hinckley challenged Tallarico on Gribble's thoughts of killing people. He said, and the psychiatrist agreed, that Gribble was able to control those bad thoughts.
Upon further questioning, Tallarico said that Gribble expressed concern two years ago that he would become a serial rapist. But he knew, Hinckley asked and Tallarico answered in the affirmative, that it would be wrong.
The psychiatrist also said during questioning that Gribble showed no evidence of psychotic episodes and no impulse control disorders when she evaluated him.
Read: Expert: Insanity Defense Difficult For Home Invasion Killer
The jury also heard testimony Friday from Wanda Martins, a friend of Gribble's. She read excerpts from jailhouse letters Gribble wrote her.
In one, Gribble wrote that he expected to serve only a maximum of six years, and possibly less for good behavior, for his role in the murder.
The trial resumes Monday.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
