What to KnowThe trial will be livestreamed and live blogged in this article. The judge has warned that the trial will include graphic testimony and video. NBC 5 has decided to cut away from particularly graphic parts of the testimony. We will return to the trial as soon as we are able. Viewer discretion is advised.A complete live blog on the day’s events at trial appears below the article.
The defense continued to focus on Horner’s background and mental health. Testimony began with Dr. Eric Imhof, a forensic psychologist.
Imhof diagnosed Horner with Bipolar I disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, but also stated Horner had “a lot of trauma,” in his developmental history, leading to mental health difficulties.
He did not diagnose Horner with antisocial personality disorder. Imhoff reported that when he investigated Horner’s claim of an alternate identity, known as Zero, he did not find evidence of multiple personality disorder.
When cross-examined, Imhoff acknowledged that some testing instruments relied on self-report data from Horner.
A second expert, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Kim Spence, told jurors Horner meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder and described a troubled upbringing that included incarcerated parents and reliance on his grandmother for care.
When asked whether Horner’s conditions directly caused the crime, Spence said they did not, but could “certainly” have played a role.
Horner’s grandmother, Jackie also took the stand, testifying on her role in his upbringing.
She described Horner as a child who consistently struggled with social difficulties, often being perceived as weird or awkward by his peers.
Jackie also discussed her responsibility in stepping in when Horner’s mother, Melissa, was unable to care for him due to ongoing struggles with substance use and mental health.
“He’s my first grandkid,” she said. “I figured I could do better with him.”
One of the most striking moments in testimony came when Jackie described contacting Horner after Athena Strand was reported missing, not knowing he was responsible.
“I called him and said, ‘Please look out for this little girl. She’s missing,’” she testified.
Horner’s response, she said, was “kind of a generic answer.”
He did not admit involvement.
During cross-examination, prosecutors highlighted that Jackie had consistently cared for Horner, providing housing, food, and guidance well into his adulthood, despite her own struggles, suggesting this grit is evidence of some positive role models in Horner’s life.
The prosecution also focused on whether Horner understood right from wrong.
“Yes, he knows that,” she said, when asked if Horner knew killing was wrong.
Jackie told jurors she was stunned when she learned what had happened.
“Totally shocked. I couldn’t believe it myself,” she said.
She acknowledged she is angry with her grandson, but still loves him.
The trial will resume on Monday morning.
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