Hearing Set as Trial Approaches in Auburn Slayings

Lawyers for a man accused of killing two former Auburn football players and a third person are asking a judge to allow testimony about his mental state during his upcoming trial.

The defense told the court during a hearing Friday that Desmonte Leonard had been shot before and was especially sensitive to perceived threats. They want a doctor to testify about that.

Prosecutors oppose the request, saying Leonard isn’t using an insanity defense.

Leonard says he fired in self-defense at a 2012 pool party, killing three people and wounding others. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder, attempted murder and assault.

Former Auburn football players Ladarious Phillips and Ed Christian were killed, as well as DeMario Pitts of Opelika. Three more people were hurt.

Jury selection begins Monday.

 

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)