Pennsylvania

Inmate Who Stabbed Prison Guard Can't Explain Actions, Ashamed

A defense psychiatrist says an inmate charged with killing a guard at a federal prison in Pennsylvania can't explain his actions, but is ashamed of the crime.

Dr. Craig Haney testified Tuesday in the death penalty phase of 40-year-old Jessie Con-ui's trial. Con-ui was convicted earlier this month of first-degree murder and murder of a correction officer in the February 2013 stabbing death of 34-year-old Eric Williams at the Canaan federal prison in Waymart.

Con-ui's attorneys say he killed Williams because he believed a search of Con-ui's cell was disrespectful. Prosecutors say Con-ui stabbed Williams more than 200 times.

Prosecutors sought to paint Haney as a death penalty opponent who has testified in dozens of cases trying to spare inmates and others from execution.

The trial continued Wednesday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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