Harley Parsons’ mental health the day he shot his wife in Ponca City consumed Wednesday afternoon testimony and became a key point of contention as Parsons’ trial concluded a second day.
The proceedings continued in the early afternoon, just after the 87-year-old Winfield man waived his right to a jury trial. His attorney confirmed to District Judge D.W. Boyd that it was Parsons’ desire to see the 12-member jury ? picked just the day before ? sent home.
The defendant’s fate is now in the hands of Boyd who is listening to testimony and will render a verdict. Parsons is charged with shooting with intent to kill his wife, Barbara, last September. The charge is a felony.
As testimony resumed, Boyd heard from Dr. Perry Hassell, a psychology expert called by the defense. Hassell disputed the contention of a prosecution witness who said the 86-year-old Parsons showed no signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
“He wanted to die,” Hassell said.
Hassell added that Parsons obviously suffered from “some sort of dementia” and did not fully understand what was he was doing the day of the incident. Parsons was also delusional and conjured up ideas that his wife had betrayed him during the course of their decades-long marriage, the psychologist said.
But under cross examination by district attorney Jennifer Layton, Hassell conceded that Mr. Parsons knew who he was, knew who is wife was and knew what a gun was the day of the incident. Parsons also penned a letter with instructions for sending the couple’s bodies to a Winfield funeral home.
Proving Parsons’ intent that day is key to sustaining the charge brought by the state. The defense claims Parsons cannot be guilty because he was not mentally well enough to plan and carry out the shooting.
A witness for the state said Parsons showed little or no sign of dementia. Parsons underwent a full mental evaluation.
Barbara Parsons was shot twice before a police officer arrived. Mr. Parsons told Mrs. Parsons he was going to shoot himself after he killed her.
Barbara Parsons, 83, was hospitalized for several days but recovered from her injuries. She testified against her husband Tuesday.
Barbara Parsons told police that she and her husband drove from their Winfield home to Ponca City the day of the shooting.
“When we arrived in Ponca City we went to an area of town we frequent because we enjoy the beautiful trees,” she told police. “Harley pulled over to the side of the road where we normally park. The next thing I knew Harley had a black pistol, which he has owned for several years, pointed at my neck and chest.”
Testimony continues at 9 a.m. this morning at the Kay County Courthouse.
