Opinion ID: 2681345
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Patrick Barker, Ph.D.

Text: Forensic psychologist Patrick Barker evaluated defendant‘s emotional and cognitive functioning. In Dr. Barker‘s view, defendant was in touch with reality, although defendant also reported frequent delusions that some other being or presence was nearby. Defendant‘s speech was ―somewhat odd‖ and deficient. He had moderately exaggerated notions of his abilities and potential, while his insight, ability to make appropriate judgments, and comprehension were all below average. Psychological tests revealed defendant had a full-scale IQ of 73, or borderline mental retardation. Personality tests revealed that defendant was angry, antisocial, at times delusional, agitated, confused, alienated, and grandiose, and that he had poor judgment and could have psychotic-like symptoms when he was under the influence of drugs. Dr. Barker diagnosed defendant as suffering from borderline mental retardation and mixed personality disorder with strong antisocial and schizotypal traits. Defendant told Dr. Barker that he respected and feared his father, J.D. In Dr. Barker‘s view, watching the violent, X-rated videos with J.D. was confusing to defendant, but it resulted in a feeling of power and strength. Defendant indulged in persistent, aggressive, and homicidal impulses and fantasies inspired 12 by the videos. J.D.‘s departure from the family removed the severe restrictions of his childhood, and defendant began using drugs and alcohol, associating with gang members, purchasing weapons, and socializing with both men and women. J.D.‘s abandonment of the family caused defendant to hate him and to feel an increased sense of confusion about his own life. Dr. Barker and defendant had two conversations about the murder. In the first, defendant told Dr. Barker ―it just happened.‖ In the second, defendant said he shot Gonzales because Jackson told him to do so. He did not say that Jackson forced him to do so. In Dr. Barker‘s opinion, defendant knew that his shooting of Gonzales would kill her. Defendant understood the wrongfulness of that action and also the wrongfulness of the robbery and rape on Oxnard Beach.