HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. -
Day four of the ongoing Lindsey Lowe trial wrapped up mid-afternoon Friday.
Lowe is accused of smothering her newborn twin boys a short time after giving birth at her parent's Hendersonville home in September of 2011.
During testimony Friday, Lowe's mental state, before, during and after her pregnancy was discussed, as well as Internet records that revealed the then 25-year-old searched for a pregnancy calculator, among other pregnancy related items, online days before giving birth to twin boys.
A majority of the defense's case rests on the theory Lowe was in denial during her pregnancy and that she was not mentally capable of pre-mediated murder.
"Denial of pregnancy is like the denial of any other physical illness, cancer, or whatever. It's not like a concrete dam across a stream. It's much more like a beaver dam. The stream is the painful and unacceptable reality the person is trying to shut out," psychiatrist Dr. William Kenner said.
Neuropsychologist Dr. Pamela Auble added, "In my opinion, she was unable to form the level of intent necessary for first degree murder because of the mental disease and defects she had."
Late Friday morning during an exchange with DA Ray Whitley and Dr. Kenner, the doctor said he was aware Lowe had searched "pregnancy calculator" and "pregnant and doctor porn" on September 3, nine days before she gave birth.
Dr. Kenner was initially hired by Lowe and her family to treat her and was then re-hired by her attorney John Pellegrin.
According to Kenner, Lowe was mentally out of it during labor and does not remember much of it.
"It was only when she eventually felt an ear that it was like, ‘Oh, this makes sense' where at that point she knew she was having a baby," he said, adding, "She thought she was dead or as good as and she could very well have been, she's lucky to have survived."
Despite the defense's claims, the prosecution wants the jury to believe Lowe's online searches which also included "how to make yourself go into labor" prior to giving birth proves she was in her right state of mind.
On Thursday, jurors heard from the father of Lowe's sons, who said he had lost touch with Lowe and was unaware she was pregnant.
After becoming emotional, Judge Gay warned Lowe that he will not allow her "sitting there acting like a child or displaying emotion uncontrolled. The next time this happens, you will be excluded from this court room."
The trial will resume Monday morning.
Previous Stories:
- March 14, 2013: Father of Lowe's twins says he didn't know she was pregnant
- March 13, 2013: Lindsey Lowe led from Gallatin courtroom sobbing
- March 12, 2013: Attorney: Lindsey Lowe refused to accept pregnancy
- March 10, 2013: Jury selection complete in Lindsey Lowe case
- March 7, 2013: Judge says phone records will be used in Lindsey Lowe trial
- March 5, 2013: Lowe lawyers strongly hint at defense
- Feb. 21, 20113: Lindsey Lowe takes witness stand for 1st time
- Feb. 12, 2013: Judge denies motion filed by alleged baby killer
- Jan. 22, 2013: Judge will not step down in Lindsey Lowe case
- Dec. 10, 2012: Lindsey Lowe's confession will stay, judge rules
- Nov. 29, 2012: Attorneys for Lindsey Lowe request change of venue
- Nov. 5, 2012: Judge will allow Lindsey Lowe's confession in trial
- May 17, 2012: Trial date set for mother charged with killing newborns
- Nov. 18, 2011: Woman charged with killing newborns enters not guilty plea
- Nov. 10, 2011: State won't seek death penalty against alleged baby killer
- Nov. 4, 2011: Mother of slain newborn twins avoids jail for now
- Oct. 25, 2011: Affair possible motive in murder of newborn twins
- Oct. 24, 2011: Mother charged with killing newborns faces hearing
- Sept. 27, 2011: Funeral held for newborn twins killed by mother
- Sept. 22, 2011: Dozens attend church vigil for mother of slain twins
- Sept. 21, 2011: Nancy Grace weighs in on Lindsey Lowe case
- Sept. 20, 2011: Mental state of woman accused of killing twins in question
- Sept. 19, 2011: Bond for woman charged with killing twins set at $250K
- Sept. 18, 2011: Preacher of woman accused of killing twins speaks out
- Sept. 16, 2011: Lawyer: Woman accused of killing twins shouldn't stay in jail
- Sept. 14, 2011: Police: Mom killed newborn twins, hid them in laundry basket
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