Friday, the defense and prosecution in the Cole Drake hearing brought forward new witnesses to help further the decision on whether Drake should be tried as a juvenile or as an adult. The defense brought forward public officials from the Kansas Department of Corrections and psychologist Steven Peterson. Public officials from the Kansas Department of Corrections explained the various rehabilitation and counseling programs that juvenile offenders are allowed to participate in while they are incarcerated.
Psychologist Steven Peterson took the stand to answer the question of whether or not Drake could be rehabilitated. Dr. Peterson said that Drake could be rehabilitated because his frontal lobe has not yet developed and that it can’t be predictive on his future behavior, and so should not be tried as an adult.
The prosecution brought forward Psychologist John Fajen who evaluated Drake in August of 2011 and says in his expert opinion Drake should be tried as an adult.
“He has had problems his whole life and have worsened over time.” said Dr. Fajen, and he went on to describe various goals Drake shared with him along with a recounting of the alleged murder of Tyler Dowling.
“There was no inflection or emotion. He showed no concern of consequences or other people”
Honorable Judge David Stutzman will give his judgement on the issue at a later date.
