University Dally Kansan, January 21, 1985
Page 6
CAMPUS AND AREA
Teenager's defense cites mental illness
By KEVIN LEATHERS Staff Reporter
Donald E. Alexander, accused of murdering an 80-year-old Lawrence woman, was mentally ill and unable to distinguish between right and wrong at the time of her death in a court attorney Mike Rilking said Friday.
In his opening statement Friday afternoon, Riling said he would show that Alexander suffered from severe mental illness and extreme depression and was emotionally and physically abused.
Alexander is charged with felony murder, rape and aggravated burglary in the death of Marguerite L. Vinyard, whose body was found in her home Aug. 5. An autopsy indicated that Vinyard died from blows to the chest and head and that she had been sexually abused.
Alexander, who lived behind Vin- yard, was arrested 17 days later.
yard, was arrested 17 days later. THE DEFENSE HAD previously filed a motion that it might use insanity as a defense in the case.
Riling said that Alexander had not known why he was in the victim's house, because "he was unable to distinguish between right and wrong."
In order to show reasonable doubt about Alexander's sanity at the time of Vinyard's death, Riling said he would call Alexander's parents, a former counselor at the Douglas County Citizen's Committee on Alcoholism and a Topeka psychiatrist to testify.
Gordon Petersen, Alexander's former counselor, testified Friday.
ALEXANDER TOOK four different tests in June 1983 that indicated he was under a great deal of stress and that he potentially was a problem drinker, problem drug user or both. Petersen said.
Because he felt that Alexander's condition was so extreme at the time, Petersen said he thought it would be better that Alexander for more professional help.
But under cross-examination, Petersen told assistant district attorney Jerry Wells that although he classified Alexander as severely depressed he could be certain of the defendant's emotional and mental condition in August.
In testimony earlier Friday, the prosecution called Susan Scholl, a blood expert at the Kansas Bureau of Crime that testified that blood found at the scene of Vinyard's death showed characteristics similar to Alexander's.
EVERCLEAR POSTER OFFER
For your full color 15" x 22" Everclear
poster, send $3.00 in check, money order
or use your Mastercard or Visa to:
Everclear Poster Offer
$90 3rd Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
City State Zip
Mastercard □ Visa □ Account # Exp.
The School of Law and the Office of Minority Affairs presents a public lecture by Eleanor Holmes Norton
Order shipment within 48 hours. Offer good in us only. Offer valid where prohibited by law. No product purchase necessary. Excercised beverage hosted by Wide World Dishwasher produced Company, St. Louis, MO 80138. Excercise the ultimate maze, use in moderation, not intended for consumption unless used with non-blocking beverages
in commemoration of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 21, 1985
3 p.m. Alderson Auditorium
Kansas Union
Bowl of Chili Small Salad Bar Medium Drink $1.99 Regular Price $3.04
Regular Price $3.04
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
SPECIAL
THE FIRST PERSON FOR FIRST STUDENT LOANS
C
Kathy Chamley Student Loan Manager
Getting a good education has never been more important. Or more expensive.
Because as The First's student loan manager, Kathy has helped hundreds of students in getting the money that helped them through college and on to a rewarding future.
So if you're in school or thinking of going to college, the First Person to see is Kathy Chumley.
And she can do the same for you — with federally guaranteed loans of up to $2,500 for undergraduates ($5,000 for graduate and professional students) at 8% interest for first-time borrowers.
And apply for a loan of opportunity from The First.
So call Kathy. Or see her at our West 23rd Street office, conveniently located near the KU campus.
It's banking in the First Person.
The First
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LAWRENCE
South Bank. 1807 West 23rd (913) 843-0152
MEMBER FDIC
Sign Up Now!
SUNDAY
SUNDAY
Town & Gown...7 p.m.
MONDAY
Monday Night Mixer...7 p.m.
TUESDAY
Greek Women...5:30 p.m.
Greek Men...8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
University Women...1 p.m.
Wednesday Nite Mixer...7 p.m.
THURSDAY
Two-man Scratch...2:30 p.m.
Guys & Dolls I...5 p.m.
Guys & Dolls II...8 p.m.
FRIDAY
T.G.I.F...4 p.m.
Leagues begin January 27-February 1
Level 1 Call 864-3545
THE KANSAS UNION JAYBOWL