Expert focuses on teen's manic state in fatal fight

Sue Lindsay, Rocky Mountain News

Published June 13, 2006 at midnight

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A defense expert said that Contrell Townsend was likely in the manic phase of his bipolar disorder when he began a fight with Marcus Richardson in the lunchroom of Montbello High School.

Richardson, 18, is on trial for second-degree murder in the Jan. 4, 2005, stabbing death of Townsend, 17.

Richardson's attorneys contend he stabbed Townsend in self-defense.

Psychiatrist Peter Mayerson testified Monday that Townsend "had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and the way this incident was described, it sounded to me like he was out of control."

The doctor said he "empathized" with what Richardson experienced.

"I've been around people in a manic mood," he said. "It must have been terribly scary."

Mayerson said Townsend's school and medical records show he was diagnosed as bipolar at age 10 or 11. He was put on medications to control the condition, but often did not take them.

In 2004, he was prescribed an anti-psychotic drug when he began hearing voices after a good friend, Carold Peoples, was killed.

School records showed Townsend had been been disruptive and had behavior problems at school for years, Mayerson said.

Townsend's mother, Linda Hall, testified that she saw little difference in her son's behavior whether or not he was taking his medication.

lindsays@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-5181

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