Closing Arguments Underway In Auburn University Student's Murder Trial
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: November 17, 2010
The prosecution and defense has rested in the capital murder trial of an Army vet accused of killing an Auburn University student.
Closing arguments are underway.
Wednesday, marked the 8th day of proceedings.
Twenty-six-year-old Courtney Lockhart is on trial for the March 2008 kidnapping, attempted rape, robbery and capital murder of AU freshman Lauren Burk.
Wednesday morning, defense witness Dr. Kimberly Ackerson, a forensic psychiatrist, said although Lockhart showed signs of PTSD, he in no way met the criteria of possessing PTSD.
State asked Dr. Ackerson if anything led her to believe that Lockhart was insane when he kidnapped, drove around a naked girl and then shot her-- she said, "No".
When asked if she ever requested records from jail to see if he requested treatment or help, she replied, "No".
Lockhart's ex-fiancé told the court that he was obviously suffering when he returned from Iraq. She told the court that he was scarred emotionally and there were nights when she would wake up to him shaking in the closet.
On March 4th, his ex-fiancé (a defense witness) testified that she told Auburn Police that she spoke with Lockhart the night before. She recounted to the court that he told her he had messed up.
Tuesday, the court admitted written statements from Lockhart. In those statements, he admitted to kidnapping Burk and using in her credit card.
Lockhart is an Iraq War veteran. The defense team claims he was mentally disturbed and suffering from PTSD because of his war experience.
