The prosecution has already rested in the trial of former Penn St. Nittany Lions assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. Now it is up to the defense of Sandusky's lawyers to attempt to prevent a prison term on the 51 criminal counts of sexual abuse against him.
Jerry Sandusky’s Wife Takes Stand On Tuesday, Defense Begins To Build Case
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The Associated Press via SI.com reports that the defense called several witnesses as it attempts to build its case. Sundusky’s wife, Dottie Sandusky, took the stand on Tuesday to testify on her husband’s behalf, to speak to Sandusky’s reputation. Much of the defense, however, seems to be focusing on a personality disorder by which Sandusky is said to be affected.
Earlier, a psychologist testified that Sandusky has a personality disorder that might explain the “creepy” letters he sent to one of his accusers.
Elliot Atkins told jurors that he diagnosed Sandusky with histrionic personality disorder after talking with the ex-coach for six hours.
People with the disorder often interact with others in inappropriately seductive ways and don’t feel comfortable unless they’re the center of attention, Atkins explained.
“Often these are people who did not have as much success in relationships - emotional or romantic - (and) relationships in life,” he said, responding to questions from Sandusky lawyer Joe Amendola.
Sandusky’s attorney is hoping to convince jurors that the disorder could explain his client’s letters to the accuser known as Victim 4 and other interaction that prosecutors allege show his grooming of victims.
It remains to be seen how this approach will be interpreted by the jurors in the case.
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