Opinion ID: 1058635
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: evidence on mental retardation & functional abilities

Text: The Commonwealth presented the testimony of Leigh D. Hagan, Psy.D., a forensic and clinical psychologist, who evaluated Lewis based on a personal interview and on his review of Lewis' records. According to Dr. Hagan, Lewis does not meet the criteria for mental retardation established in Code § 19.2-264.3:1.1. As part of his evaluation, Dr. Hagan administered the same intelligence test that Lewis had been given during the earlier assessment of her competency to stand trial. Dr. Hagan reported that Lewis obtained a full scale I.Q. test score of 70, a performance I.Q. test score of 74, and a verbal I.Q. test score of 72. After considering Lewis' various achievements during her life, Dr. Hagan concluded that these I.Q. test scores represented an underestimate of Lewis' intellect, and that she had not put forth her best effort during the I.Q. test. Dr. Hagan provided examples of Lewis' adaptive functioning, which he stated supported his conclusion that Lewis was not mentally retarded. Dr. Hagan noted that Lewis had never failed a grade level at school, and had not been terminated from any job due to an inability to understand her employment duties. Lewis also had demonstrated the conceptual ability to respond and attend to her parents' needs, and she had successfully completed a certified nursing assistant program at a local community college. In addition, Dr. Hagan reported that Lewis was a prolific writer during her incarceration, frequently sending letters to various pen pals and trial counsel. According to Dr. Hagan, Lewis also planned and appeared for cosmetic appointments while incarcerated in preparation for her court appearances. Based on these observations, Dr. Hagan opined that Lewis had the capacity to act intentionally to plan and help execute the crimes and to attempt to profit from the murders. Philip R. Costanzo, Ph.D., a psychologist retained by Lewis' habeas counsel to assist in the habeas proceedings, testified that he could not rule out mental retardation based on Lewis' academic performance, her inconsistent employment history, and her many short-term relationships with men. Although Dr. Costanzo stated that Lewis had an intellect equivalent to that of a 12 or 13 year old, he admitted that members of his profession have discredited this type of assessment for more than 80 years. Dr. Costanzo also opined that Lewis did not have the mental ability to autonomously initiate or lead the planning and execution of the murders. Other witnesses described Lewis' abilities to plan, lead, and implement various actions. Deborah T. Grey, a licensed clinical social worker retained by Lewis' habeas counsel to perform a mitigation analysis, testified that numerous people she interviewed reported that Lewis had difficulty planning beyond the next day. Grey also reported that Lewis attended six different schools before she reached the seventh grade and that she did not advance beyond the tenth grade. Grey stated that Lewis held 49 jobs over a period of 14 years and repeatedly had difficulty maintaining consistent attendance at work. Jonathon D. Presley, a former boyfriend of Lewis, testified that Lewis was a good friend, was good to [Lewis'] mother, and was never violent. Presley also testified, however, that Lewis was not an organized person, and that she lived in the moment. Other witnesses reported that Lewis was a helpful person who was capable of completing household chores, running errands, and cooking. Melvin C. Wilson, Sr. (Wilson), Lewis' father, testified that Lewis helped her mother in many ways when her mother was ill, including cooking for her parents, bathing her mother, cleaning the house, and taking her mother to doctor's appointments. Family members confirmed that Lewis was her mother's primary caregiver for a period of time before her mother died. Elinore F. McCance-Katz, M.D., Ph.D., a psychiatrist whose practice involves issues related to different types of addiction, testified at the habeas hearing about Lewis' mental condition around the time of the murders. After interviewing Lewis and reviewing her various records, Dr. McCance-Katz concluded that although Lewis has a low level of intellectual functioning, she is not mentally retarded. According to Dr. McCance-Katz, Lewis suffered from prescription drug addiction at the time of the murders, and exhibited impulsivity and a dependent personality. Dr. McCance-Katz further opined that based on Lewis' additional problems with drugs and alcohol, it is unlikely that she had the ability to be a leader in the murders of her husband and stepson. Dr. McCance-Katz admitted, however, that Lewis' conduct around the time of the murders was deliberate and goal-directed, and was not affected by her use of prescription drugs.