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

Heading: evidence of dependent personality disorder

Text: Several of Lewis' friends and family members testified at the habeas hearing that Lewis constantly sought the attention of men. A number of witnesses also stated that Lewis had a strong desire to please others and allowed men to take advantage of her. Dr. Haskins also testified at the habeas hearing. In her capacity as a mental health expert assisting Lewis on the several felony charges at trial, Dr. Haskins had prepared a lengthy report for Lewis' trial counsel. The report included historical information regarding Lewis' development, education, employment, legal background, family, medical treatment, and drug use. Dr. Haskins testified that, at the time of trial, she reported to trial counsel that she lacked adequate information to confidently state that Lewis met the criteria for dependent personality disorder. However, Dr. Haskins did indicate to trial counsel that Lewis had traits of a dependent personality. After reviewing additional information contained in Grey's mitigation report, Dr. Haskins testified at the habeas hearing that Lewis did meet the criteria for dependent personality disorder. Dr. Costanzo also opined that Lewis suffered from dependent personality disorder. He stated that Lewis met six of the eight criteria for the disorder, including that she had trouble making decisions on her own, difficulty expressing disagreement with others, and difficulty initiating projects because of a lack of self-confidence. In contrast, Dr. Hagan concluded that Lewis did not suffer from dependent personality disorder. According to Dr. Hagan, Lewis had dependent personality traits, but these traits did not rise to the level of a disorder. Thomas M. Blaylock, trial counsel for Lewis, testified that the facts of Lewis' case demonstrated that Lewis took several independent steps to plan the murders and to attempt to collect money after the murders. Thus, Blaylock concluded that an argument raising Lewis' potential personality disorder would have been unsuccessful at trial.