Brain damage

A number of incidents, reported by family and John Couey himself, suggest that the defendant could have suffered brain damage.

Even before he was born, Couey was at risk. His young mother was forced out of a moving vehicle around seven months into her pregnancy. Shortly after, she went into labor.

As a child, Couey suffered multiple incidents of abuse. His stepfather was infuriated by Couey's persistent bed-wetting, tying him to the bed and slamming his head in a door jam repeatedly. When he grew older, Couey did significant damage to his own mind through huffing, popping amphetamines and using other illicit substances.

"There is clear evidence of significant brain injury," Berland said.

-- Elena Lesley