Opinion ID: 1434440
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Evidence Heard by the Jury

Text: Pinholster's stepfather was abusive, or nearly so. Pinholster was in boys homes and juvenile halls after age 10 or 11. Pinholster's mother ran over him with a car at age 2 or 3, badly injuring his head and requiring treatment at a hospital. At age 4 or 5, Pinholster was in a car accident where he flew through the window and hit his head badly. Pinholster started failing at school in the first grade, and has learning problems dating back to kindergarten. In third grade, Pinholster's teacher suggested that he was something more than just a disruptive child. In third or fourth grade, Pinholster was sent to a class for emotionally handicapped children where his performance improved. Pinholster had a difficult childhood, often getting into fights with his brothers. A psychiatrist recommended Pinholster be hospitalized at age 10. At age 12, Pinholster was institutionalized for six months in a psychiatric hospital. Throughout childhood Pinholster stole things and had a blustery personality. At age 18, Pinholster was badly beaten in jail. Pinholster's personality changed after he was imprisoned in his late teens; he became withdrawn and had difficulty adjusting to life on the outside. Pinholster has epilepsy, for which he's taken medication, and has had several serious seizures. The Pinholster siblings had trouble with drugs and alcohol, and his sister was a self-destructive wild girl. Pinholster's brother Alvin died and was in considerable trouble with the law. Pinholster's family sticks close together like you would not believe. Pinholster was intoxicated on the night of the murders.