Forensic psychiatry took centre stage in the murder trial of Brittany Jno-Baptiste yesterday, as expert testimony detailing how severe cannabis-induced psychosis may have eliminated the defendant’s capacity for rational decision-making at the time of a fatal assault.

On Thursday, a child and adult psychiatrist, Dr. James King, provided critical testimony as part of the defence’s case.

It shed light on the accused’s complex mental state at the time of the murder.

On Wednesday, Jno-Baptiste admitted to killing 66-year-old Wendy Jane Finch at her Piccadilly home on October 4, 2021 while hallucinating.

Evidence in the trial previously confirmed that Finch was found lifeless, lying in a pool of blood with a pliers in her ear, having died from severe head trauma and massive blood loss.

Dr. King’s psychiatric evaluation revealed a deeply troubled background. He testified that Jno-Baptiste suffered from Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder, which he argued rendered her incapable of understanding her actions at the time of the incident.

The psychiatrist detailed a lifetime of marginalization, including being bullied in school, labelled as “crazy” by peers and villagers, and struggling with undiagnosed conditions including Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The evaluation uncovered a disturbing history of substance abuse and mental health challenges. By age 18, Jno-Baptiste was consuming seven to eight cannabis joints daily. Dr. King recounted alarming behavioural incidents, including allegations that she had consumed a dead dog, eaten dog faeces, and attempted suicide.

On the day of the murder, Dr. King stated that Jno-Baptiste was experiencing cannabis-induced psychosis. During her mental evaluation, she claimed a voice commanded her to “kill Finch and join Ras Freeman” – a local establishment she worked at cleaning cannabis.

The psychiatrist emphasized that cannabis-induced psychosis, particularly from high-THC strains, creates a distinct mental state characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and a distorted perception of reality.

Attorney Wendel Alexander represents the accused in the trial, which continues before Justice Tundre Bakre on Monday.