The re-sentencing hearing for Melvin Knight continued yesterday with testimony from the victim’s mother.
The Tribune-Review reports that Denise Murphy, the mother of Jennifer Daugherty, took the stand yesterday along with Daugherty’s sister, Joy Burkholder. The two testified as to the last times they got to see Daugherty, and both said that Daugherty strived to live on her own despite her mental handicap.
The prosecution rested, and the defense took over, with Richard Livingston, Knight’s special education teacher testifying about how Knight was easily manipulated and a “gullible” child.
Also testifying for the defense was Natalie Rice, who formed a romantic interest in Knight while he and her sister were patients in a psychiatric hospital.
The hearing continues today.
