Brian David Mitchell’s mother Irene Mitchell was then called to the stand.
Irene Mitchell testified that being in court under such circumstances was painful for her, since she remembered her son as a little boy, not the person he is now.
Mitchell said she has spent time with Brian since he arrest, most recently on his birthday, when she met with him for about 20 minutes.
Irene Mitchell testified about her son’s troubles in his adolescence, his marital troubles and custody battles.
Mitchell also spoke of Brian’s lack of discipline and legal troubles during his high school years.
Mitchell had difficulty answering some of the defender’s questions, citing memory loss problems.
In cross-examination, Hagen questioned Mitchell about her relationship with Brian’s two children Travis and Angela. Mitchell said she was close to the children and protested when Brain and his second wife Debbie put them up for adoption. Mitchell said at one time she was awarded temporary custody of the children.
Hagen also questioned Mitchell about Brian’s juvenile record and his psychological evaluation after he was caught exposing himself to a child.
Hagen also questioned Mitchell about Brian’s behavior in 2002, when she got a restraining order against him, and that no one thought to have him submitted for mental evaluation.
Hagen then entered into evidence a letter written to her from Brian as he hid from his ex-wife in New Hampshire.
In the letter, which Hagen had Mitchell read in court, explained that he had grown a beard and long hair as part of an ‘act.’
Reading from the letter, Mitchell said, “As for my beard and long hair, I think I am more handsome without them as well. However, that is not the image I am after at the moment. Maybe I want to look like a serious fellow, and there are other reasons as well, as you know.”
Mitchell continued, “As you know, I like acting. My hair and beard is part of a new act. Sorry I can’t be a sweet looking boy all the time. It’s too boring. I can just as readily cut them off as I grew them and, to my delight, will show everyone here who knows nothing of my boyish mug.”
During re-direct, Steel asked, “A few quick questions. In 1970, which is when juvenile court process happened, Brian did go to counseling and did have mental health treatment then?”
Mitchell responded, “Are you asking me if he did? When, again?”
Steele responded, “ In 1970 when he went to juvenile court.”
Mitchell answered, “Yes he did.”
Steele asked, “And you have no idea what the diagnosis was that any mental health professional came back with at that time? Would that be a fair statement?”
“The psychiatrist called me in and visited with me. I don’t remember him so much as talking about medication or anything, but he said that when a child has parents pulling him in two different directions, he tends to get into power and manipulation. And he felt that was what happened with Brian, and I agreed with him,” said Mitchell.
Former Salt Lake County Deputy District Attorney Howard Lemcke was then called to the stand to testify about a video he shot of Mitchell and Barzee as they pushed a hand cart in 2002. ABC 4 does not have a complete version of Lemcke's testimony.
