By Meghan McCormick
It will be Wednesday before a Cleveland County jury decides the fate of William Eugene Davis, 52, of Norman, who allegedly gunned down his two sisters and the mother-in-law of one of the women more than two years ago.
Cleveland County District Judge Lori Walkley adjourned court for the day at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday. The trial will resume 9 a.m. Wednesday. At that time, jurors will receive instructions and prosecution and defense attorneys will present closing arguments.
Davis' attorneys Craig Corgan and G. Lynn Burch rested their case around 11 a.m. About 15 minutes later, Walkley recessed court for lunch until 1:30 p.m. However, court did not return in session until 3:05 p.m. while both sides settled an issue in the judge's chambers. Therefore, jury instructions were not ready to be handed out.
Walkley gave jurors the option to proceed with the trial or recess until Wednesday morning. Jurors told Walkley they preferred to resume the trial Wednesday morning.
Earlier Tuesday, a licensed clinical psychologist testified that Davis' alcohol use and mental health issues substantially reduced his capacity to form the intent to kill his two sisters, Tami Link, 52, and Sheila Ellis, 56, and Link's mother-in-law, Letannah Bishop, 87, on Sept. 4, 2007.
Dr. Bill Sharp was the last defense witness called to testify.
"Mr. Davis has all the markings of an alcoholic," Sharp said.
Sharp interviewed Davis in December 2008 at the Cleveland County Detention Center. Records show Davis' blood alcohol level registered .308 on the day of the killings.
Sharp said he based his conclusion that Davis was impaired to form intent on the interview, Davis' medical records and additional mental tests that he performed.
Corgan and Burch contend that Davis had an alcohol induced blackout on Sept. 4, 2007, and doesn't remember the events of that day.
During cross examination, Sharp said he didn't believe he ever quizzed Davis about what happened on that September day at 1517 Oklahoma Avenue.
Assistant District Attorney Christy Miller questioned Sharp about the affects of a .308 blood alcohol level on Davis. He weighs about 220 pounds and stands 5 feet and 11 inches tall.
"Alcohol's impact varies person to person," Sharp said.
"So you can't tell us what his mental capacity was or his ability to make plans and form decision?" Miller asked.
"That's correct," Sharp said.
Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn and Miller are seeking the death penalty.
Meghan McCormick
366-3539
mmccormick@normantranscript.com
