Psychiatrist: Kehoe depressed, suicidal

UPDATE: A psychiatrist testified today Michelle Kehoe suffered from major depression and post traumatic stress disorder, was obsessive compulsive and had suicidal tendencies.

Dr. William Logan said in his opinion, Kehoe didn't understand right and wrong when she killed son Seth, 2, and injured her other son Sean, 7, on Oct. 26, 2008.

Logan, a defense witness, also admitted under cross-examination that Kehoe told other doctors that when her car went into the Iowa River in December 2007, it was an accident, not a suicide attempt.

Testimony wrapped up early today because the last defense witness couldn't testify until Wednesday. The trial will continue at 9 a.m., and closing arguments may be Wednesday afternoon. The jury may have the case by Thursday. Gazette reporter Trish Mehaffey will continue her liveblog Wednesday.

Kehoe, charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and child endangerment causing serious injury, is accused of slashing the throats of her sons Seth and Sean. Seth died from his injuries and Sean was injured but survived.

Logan said Kehoe has suffered from depression since 1996. She was molested by her stepfather and stepbrother and felt betrayed by her mother for the assaults, Logan said.

Kehoe attempted to kill herself more than once over the last 10 years, Logan said. She drank Heet in one attempt and cut her leg artery in another attempt. During that time, doctors tried different anti-depressants with her and even tried electrical shock treatments, Logan said. She had about 44 shock treatments, he said.

Kehoe then tried light therapy and yoga to help her depression after she gave birth to Seth, Logan said.

Logan said the post traumatic stress disorder developed after she drove her car off the road into the Iowa River with Seth and Sean. She told police and doctors she reached down to get a pacifier and went off the road, but admitted to Logan it was a suicide attempt, according to testimony.

Kehoe felt guilty for almost killing the boys and putting the men who rescued them in danger, Logan said.