Opinion ID: 2996468
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Psychological domination evidence

Text: Colon asserts a Bruton violation based on the testimony of Dr. Teresa Risolo (“Dr. Risolo”), who was called at trial by Marisol as an expert witness. Dr. Risolo, a clinical psychologist who had interviewed, tested, and evaluated Marisol, testified that Marisol was highly dependent on Colon and would do anything for him. Dr. Risolo also stated that Marisol had difficulty expressing disagreement, was easily manipulated, and was unable to use critical thinking. Marisol’s attorney then argued that she was incapable of forming the intent to participate in and promote the drug conspiracy. Colon maintains that, “[s]ince Marisol Colon did not testify none of these matters were subject to cross-examination.” Prior to Dr. Risolo’s testimony, the district court instructed the jury: I anticipate that during Dr. Risolo’s testimony she will relate statements that were made to her by Marisol Colon. I instruct you that those statements may not be considered by you for the truth of the matters asserted in them. I further instruct you that Dr. Risolo’s testimony may not be considered by you against any other defendant. The district court repeated the instruction prior to jury deliberations. The majority of Dr. Risolo’s testimony dealt with Marisol’s childhood and adolescence, which Dr. Risolo stated were the basis of her dependent personality disorder. Her statements regarding Marisol and Colon were extremely general, including the fact that Marisol met and married Colon while he was incarcerated (with no mention of his crime or term of imprisonment), that he gave her money (with no mention of where the money came from), that Colon showed warmth and kindness towards Marisol, that Marisol had two children with him, that Marisol knew of Colon’s infidelities, that Marisol did 30 Nos. 00-2837, 00-3017, 00-3070, and 00-3514 not want to be a secretary for Colon, and that Marisol had made general comments to Dr. Risolo about the value of gangs. There is no basis for a Bruton violation because there is no direct criminal implication of Colon in any of these statements.