Opinion ID: 2586480
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Defense Attorney Jennifer Keller

Text: Jennifer Keller had represented defendant from April 1993 until February 1994 under court appointment, and she testified regarding an episode in which defendant expressed remorse for the murder. [9] During a meeting with defendant in March or April 1993, Keller showed him newspaper articles about the victim. He became extremely emotional and upset and stated that the victim seemed to be a good person who was loved by many, although he had thought she was horrible and evil. Defendant seemed to have an overwhelming amount of guilt and empathized with Laborde's family. He repeated, I can't believe I did this. I can't believe I did this. Defendant became distraught and cried intermittently throughout the one-hour meeting. He told Keller he was having nightmares of seeing the victim in flames and wondered whether God would forgive him. Defendant admitted the murder, and Keller explained to him he needed to consider a mental defense. Keller testified defendant's expression of remorse seemed genuine. When she suggested to defendant that he permit mental health experts to examine him and determine what was wrong with him, he appeared to be grateful and willing to cooperate. Defendant admitted there were times when he could not control himself and, although he did not understand this behavior, he wanted to learn what caused it. Two weeks after this discussion, defendant insisted that he had been framed for the murder and that the space heater spontaneously ignited the fire. Defendant believed Keller, the prosecutor, and the trial judge, among others, were involved in a conspiracy to convict him for a crime he did not commit. He told Keller he was not mentally ill and refused testing. Keller was convinced defendant genuinely believed the thoughts he expressed about the conspiracy. Defendant never again expressed remorse.