Kirsten Lamb, accused of mother's murder, fit to stand trial, experts say
Two expert witnesses, a forensic psychiatrist and a psychologist, both testified Monday they now believe Kirsten Lamb is fit to stand trial for the murder of her mother.
Lamb, 32, is charged with second-degree murder in the November 2010 death of Sandra Lamb.
In September 2014, a jury found Lamb mentally unfit to stand trial. At the time, the diagnosed schizophrenic was seven months pregnant and refused to take any medication.
Medical professionals believed she was unable to properly communicate with her lawyer, due to her mental state. Lamb was returned to Alberta Hospital, and gave birth in November 2014.
On Monday, a jury was told Lamb began taking anti-psychotic medications a month after having her baby.
Alberta Hospital forensic psychiatrist Dr. Roger Brown said he now believes Lamb is fit to stand trial. He testified Lamb appeared to respond to the drugs soon after she began taking them.
"She appeared to become more organized in her speech," he said. "Her previously delusional ideas seemed to shift and change."
Some of those delusional ideas were revealed to the jury. Two years ago, Lamb refused to believe that Sandra Lamb was her mother, or that she was dead. She told doctors about her multiple careers as a surgeon, a lawyer, a real estate agent and an undercover detective. And she was convinced she had a romantic relationship with the former Crown prosecutor assigned to the case.
Dr. Brown said Lamb's "previously delusional ideas seemed to shift and change." He called them less prominent now but admitted they haven't disappeared altogether.
Forensic psychologist Andrew Haag agreed.
"Those delusions have decreased in their intensity," he testified. "She'll still tell me she's wealthy from time to time. A couple of interviews ago, she mentioned she was a surgeon."
Haag also believes Lamb is now mentally fit to stand trial. He told the jury that Lamb understands the legal process, the charges against her and the consequences if she's found guilty. The psychologist also believes Lamb is mentally stable enough to provide direction to her lawyer.
Defence counsel Mona Duckett focused on her client's ongoing delusions and is expected to argue that Lamb remains unfit to stand trial. The onus is on the Crown to prove she is fit.
The jury will hear final arguments Tuesday morning and, after getting instructions from Justice Paul Belzil, will begin deliberations.
If the jury finds Lamb fit to stand trial, testimony will begin next week.
