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August 16, 2012

Hallucinations won't keep murder suspect from trial

By Jessica Bruha The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — A suspect in the slaying of an 80-year-old Norman man during a home invasion was found fit to stand trial this week.

A hearing Tuesday at Cleveland County Courthouse reviewed the mental health of Brandon K. Reed, 20.

Reed previously suffered hallucinations during the preliminary hearing of Billy Dean Battenfield, 59, who also is a suspect in the slaying of Clair Owen Pollard.

Both Reed and Battenfield were accused of killing Pollard in his southwest Norman home on Nov. 20, 2011. During Battenfield’s murder prosecution in July, Reed admitted to suffering from hallucinations while he was on the witness stand.

Reed claimed he could see his alter ego, “Max,” in the courtroom, who was a “bad influence” and “never has anything good to say.” He likened the alter ego to a cartoon devil.

Reed also claimed he saw Pollard near the courthouse waving to him on the morning of his testimony.

The reports of hallucinations in July prompted the immediate adjournment of the court.

Before the preliminary hearing in July, Reed had waived is right for a preliminary hearing and jury trial in June and agreed to testify against Battenfield. Battenfield previously served time in New Mexico and Texas on three other murder charges in the late 1970s.

It is unknown whether Reed will remain a key witness in the prosecution of Battenfield.

 

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