State v. Bottrell

Teresa Ann Bottrell was charged with first degree premeditated murder and first degree felony murder in the death of John Hall. She appeals her convictions for first degree felony murder and the lesser included offense of premeditated murder, i.e., second degree murder.

With regard to the charge of first degree premeditated murder, Bottrell offered testimony that she suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The testimony was relevant and admissible because the psychiatric community recognizes a link between PTSD and diminished capacity. In addition, the medical testimony indicated…