Joseph Lee Pierson v. State of Indiana

Baker, Judge.

Joseph Pierson appeals his conviction for Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death, 1 a Class A Felony. He argues that because he is intellectually disabled 2 he could not have formed the requisite intent to knowingly and voluntarily neglect a dependent; instead, he requests that he be convicted of reckless homicide. Additionally, he argues that the trial court erred by permitting one expert witness to testify via video deposition, and by permitting another expert witness to suggest that the legal definition of “mental disease” or “insanity” requires psychosis or hallucination.…