Opinion ID: 3187215
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Affidavit of Dr. Herendeen

Text: Dr. Herendeen’s affidavit concerned his role as the expert psychologist at Ledford’s trial. According to Dr. Herendeen, on October 28, 1992, Ledford’s trial attorneys contacted him and asked him to evaluate Ledford for his upcoming death penalty trial. On November 8, 1992, Dr. Herendeen evaluated Ledford and briefly interviewed six of his family members. Dr. Herendeen was provided with some records but never received a medical history. Dr. Herendeen performed a Rorschach evaluation and processed the results though a computer program, which indicated that Ledford required neuropsychological testing. While it was unusual for the computer to report such a finding, further tests were not performed. Dr. Herendeen testified that he did not have Ledford’s school records, and he would have performed a comprehensive intelligence battery if he had had more time. Dr. Herendeen believed that he had insufficient time and information to adequately assess Ledford’s mental functioning. He testified that Ledford’s attorneys never discussed their trial strategy with him, never asked how Ledford’s mental health might impact the intent required to commit murder, never discussed the existence of an intellectual disability, and never went over the questions for his direct examination. 22 Case: 14-15650 Date Filed: 03/21/2016 Page: 23 of 103