Opinion ID: 1277356
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Defense Evidence in Mitigation

Text: Defendant's father, Robert Hart, testified regarding his own career in the United States Navy, and the adverse impact that his absences and alcoholism had had upon his family. He praised defendant as having been a good child, an excellent husband, and a loving father. Robert Hart forced defendant to enlist in the Navy and, upon returning, defendant discovered that his first wife, Kathy, had been unfaithful. Defendant began using drugs at this time, was committed as a mentally disordered sex offender to Patton State Hospital, and his marriage to Kathy was dissolved. Defendant's mother, Iris Hart, corroborated and expanded upon her husband's testimony. She also described a serious traffic accident involving defendant when he was four years of age, which led to his suffering a number of chronic problems, including headaches. Defendant's first wife, Kathy, testified that defendant had been a very good father. Defendant had attempted to be a good husband to Kathy, and was devastated to learn of her extramarital affair. She also described an event, after the couple had divorced, when defendant visited her and saved the lives of some girls who had fallen into a river when their canoe capsized. Defendant's second wife, Linda, testified regarding an incident involving a distraught neighbor who had slashed her wrists, explaining that defendant broke down a door, stopped the bleeding, and saved his neighbor's life. She described defendant as a devoted husband and a fantastic father, who, while incarcerated, sought to remain as involved as possible with his family. On cross-examination, Linda acknowledged (over an objection) that nine months after defendant's arrest, she asked another man to live with her for her protection and that of her children, eventually bearing the other man's child. Several witnesses testified in praise of defendant's talents as a poet, songwriter, musician, husband, and father. Defendant was very involved with the local church, sang in the church choir, and taught children in Bible school. He was a hard worker who sought to provide for his family. A former employer described defendant as very dependable and honest.