Imagining DeMarte on the stand....
JM to DeMarte(DM): so your diagnosis would be BPD?
DM: yes.
JM: Is violence towards others common for those with BPD?
DM: No. Those with BPD are far more likely to harm themselves.
JM: So those with BPD are not typically violent. Does that include murder ? Would you expect someone with BPD to be predisposed to murder?
DM: No. That kind of extreme violence? Murder? It is statistically very rare for BPD's to commit murder.
JM: In those cases you are aware of where BPD's did cause physical harm, or even death, was the violence spontaneous? As in, the BPD's became enraged and acted immediately on the rage?
DM: Yes, in those very rare cases where violence has been inflicted by BPD's, it was inflicted immediately or within a very short time of the perceived "triggering' offense.
JM: How would you explain someone with BPD making detailed plans weeks ahead of time to murder someone? Then driving 1,000 miles to get there, then manuevering her victim over hours into an extremely vulnerable position before stabbing him?
DM: I would say that those actions are incompatible with the diagnosis of BPD. The BPD can help explain why this person might feel a high degree of rage, but not the methodical premeditation and the actual murder you describe.
JM: How would you explain her actions then? Is there another diagnosis that fits?
DM: Only a lay explanation, I'm afraid. She's a lying, manipulative, cruel, vindictive, hateful and cold blooded murderer who knew exactly what she was doing, who has never regretted it, and who, when forced to express remorse, will use those occasions to further vilify her victim.
JM: I don't have anything else.