Skepticism

In his cross-examination of prosecution witness Harry McClaren, defense attorney Alan Fanter cast doubt on the motivations of those the psychologist had interviewed to assess Couey's retardation.

Was McClaren aware, he charged, that the owner of Emily's restaurant, where Couey had once worked, knew people in the Lunsfords' extended community? That a live video of the trial was being played in the establishment and a party was thrown when Couey was convicted?

"Anything's possible," McClaren said.

Fanter also questioned the reliability of Couey's sister. As a result of Couey's arrest, his sister's grandchildren had been moved from their mother's care. Anger might sway her to provide misleading information about her brother, Fanter said.

He pointed out that Couey's sister had lied about whether they had used cocaine on the night Jessica disappeared.

"So it doesn't surprise you that she might lie to you?" Fanter asked.

"No," McClaren responded.

-- Elena Lesley