Wednesday, June 27th 2012, 7:21 pm
Testimony continued Wednesday in the trial against a man accused of murdering his girlfriend and her four children in El Reno in 2009.
Prosecutors alleged Joshua Durcho strangled his girlfriend Summer Rust and her four children and then stacked the children's bodies in a bathtub. The defense claims Durcho is mentally handicapped and by state law ineligible for the death penalty.
The day was filled with technical testimony from a state psychologist who has conducted more than 1000 mental evaluations of criminal defendants including Durcho.
6/21/2012 Related Story: Durcho Trial Enters Second Day
The prosecution first called Dr. Shawn Roberson to the stand on Monday. The defense spent all of Wednesday cross examining the forensic psychologist.
Dr. Roberson testified Joshua Durcho's I.Q. falls close to the range for mental retardation, but does not quite qualify. Much of the testimony centered around the merits of the various tests Durcho has completed.
6/20/2012 Related Story: Court Works To Determine Mental Capacity Of Accused Murderer
In addition to the psychologist, the court has also heard from Durcho's family members, El Reno Public Schools Special Education Director, and other doctors during the mental health hearing.
Dr. Roberson, the state psychologist is said to be the last witness to testify in the non-jury trial. Canadian County Judge Gary Miller will then decide if Durcho is ineligible for the death penalty due to mental disabilities.
Read more about the murders and case against Joshua Durcho
Due to scheduling conflicts, it could be two weeks before Dr. Roberson will continue with testimony.
Jason Garas, the father of the youngest murder victim told News 9 he is frustrated to have to wait for an answer and looks forward to justice when Durcho heads to trial for the murders in September.
June 27th, 2012
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