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Defense Questions Witnesses in Lynch Trial

May 25, 2011|By Christine Kim | Channel 2 News

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Nearly two weeks into the trial of soldier Kip Lynch, accused of murdering his wife and infant daughter, the prosecution wrapped up its case with two witnesses.

Raquell Lynch's mother took to the stand for a second time to clarify a few points, and while the defense questioned whether all the evidence collected was tested, the detective on the case testified it's about what could be reasonably tested.

The defense began its case with its first witness: Kip Lynch's doctor when he was admitted into the hospital from what the prosecution says was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

 Defense Attorney Dan Lowery argued that Lynch's injury affects his verbal and memory skills. He called to the stand another doctor, a neuropsychologist, to testify on Lynch's short-term memory difficulties.

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“He was quite confused in his speech and he had a hard time answering fairly simple questions,” said Dr. Heather Macomber. “I had asked him at one point what he had for breakfast. He was not able to provide a really clear answer.”

But in cross examination, the prosecution brought up an interview in which Lynch told Macomber that he was unhappy and would have committed suicide during the time frame when his family was shot.

“He then told you, and I’m reading the last paragraph, that she had been shot and killed and he had been responsible for this, that's his words to you, correct?” asked Assistant District Attorney Gustaf Olson to Macomber. “Yes,” replied Macomber.

Lowery emphasized to the court that Lynch was in a confused state during the time of the interview, and left the jury with words from a soldier who deployed with Lynch to Afghanistan. Cody Smiddy testified to his character, saying Lynch can be described as a good-natured and kind man.

“For the most part he was happy-go-lucky about everything,” said Smiddy.

The defense is expected to wrap up its case Thursday.

Contact Christine Kim at ckim@ktuu.com

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