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Jodi Arias Trial - Dr. Robert Geffner Reviewed & Re-Scored Psychological Tests

**Updated info below**

Just when you thought the Jodi Arias murder trial couldn't get much stranger, abcnews.com is reporting that the prosecution has requested their own expert in rebuttal to the defense's surrebuttal witness Dr. Robert Geffner.  abcnews.com reported this morning that the prosecution will call Dr. Jill Hayes, a forensic psychologist licensed in Arizona and Louisiana to testify.

Dr. Hayes is quite accomplished. Among other things, she has been featured on A & E's American Justice and Court TV's Forensic Files. This has become the battle of the experts. In a highly unusual move, Judge Sherry Stephens is allowing Dr. Robert Geffner to testify has a surrebuttal witness to the prosecution's expert Dr. Janeen DeMarte. I'm beginning to lose track of the experts here. Will this all be a mute point in the end? If these jurors don't believe Jodi Arias' allegations of abuse, the expert testimony won't go far. Is the defense trying to prove that it would be unlikely that Jodi Arias could fool three seasoned professionals? That seems to be the case. Good for Juan Martinez, asking for his own expert to dispute the surrebuttal witness testimony. Did we really expect Mr. Martinez to take this sitting down?
I noticed that Deanna Reid and Jodi Arias's grandmother are in the gallery today.

**Update** Dr. Robert Geffner has been on the stand for the last 90 minutes.  Dr. Geffner has never met with Jodi Arias. 

Geffner just testified that he has never met with Jodi Arias, so his testimony is limited to the review and re-scoring of tests that were given to Arias by Dr. DeMarte. 

They have discussed the MMPI2, MCMI/Milan test, PTSD/PDS test and TSI1/trauma inventory test. Jennifer Willmott is handling the direct examination. The testimony is dry - we've heard this all before, ad nauseum. If I heard Geffner correctly, he confirmed one of the tests that Dr. DeMarte performed was valid. He also stated that in the Milan test, Arias answered in "socially elevated ways" - trying to make herself look more "normal", perhaps? He testified the MMPI test DeMarte gave Arias, scored by the proprietary computer program of the maker showed "numerous symptoms". He said this can be a sign to use caution, that there may be symptoms and issues that need to be further explored.

Jennifer Willmott seemed to be trying to discredit DeMarte by discussing the copyright issues around one of the tests she gave Arias. If you recall during her cross examination of DeMarte, she insinuated that DeMarte gave the prosecutor information that was copyrighted and should only be given or shared with other psychology professionals. However, Dr. Geffner testified that the profile can be shared, just not the questions or answers which are proprietary in nature. The tests can only be scored by Pearson, the test maker.

Court was in recess, but is now back in session!

With the trial in the final day of testimony, Judge Stephens told the jurors they would stay today as long as was required to complete the testimony. Closing arguments are slated for tomorrow and Friday. This trial seems to be one for the record books, in length and irregular motions granted by this judge. I don't have much time to write about Dr. Hayes, but I can offer you this: like Geffner, she has a PhD, she received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology with a minor in behavioral neuroscience. She began her career at the LSU Health Sciences Center Department of Psychiatry in New Orleans where she completed a forensic psychology and neuropsychology fellowship. She also completed the Citizen's FBI Academy. Dr. Hayes forensic private practice focuses on criminal and civil legal consulting and evaluations. 

In other related news, Travis' friend Brint Hiatt and his family spoke out in an interview with abc15.com recently to talk about the friend who became part of his "Arizona family". Brint said that during one of the last conversations he had with Travis, he told his friend he was through with Jodi Arias, "I have to stop seeing her", he said. Travis had brought Jodi to Sunday dinner at the Hiatt's, and the Hiatt's were not impressed with Jodi. They didn't believe the introverted Arias was right for their outgoing friend. Travis also relayed his fears about Arias - and his suspicions that she had slashed his tires and broken into his cellphone to send herself text messages. Could Arias have created some of these text messages we've seen displayed in court?

Court is in session, got to run! Have a great day!

52 comments:

  1. I believe Geffner said he did not interview Jodi but one of HLN's lawyer guests is saying it's not necessary for him to...seems odd to me but okay! I'm guessing he's just attempting to verify ALV and Samuel's test results but I don't know. I am SO ready for this to be over and I really feel for the poor jury having to sit through this. A media person tweeted that the jury looks bored.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous (5/1@ 10:37AM),
      Yes, it appears Geffner simply reviewed and re-scored the tests given by the other experts. Nothing new here, the jury must be bored out of their mind. Almost insulting to their intelligence?

      Delete
    2. Jodi looks very drugged up today. I wonder if they're allowed to give her any anti-anxiety drugs.

      Delete
    3. I was wondering that, too. She almost looked asleep at times. They probably have her....um.....subdued, so she won't have a Bundy outburst. You never know. ; )

      Sue

      Delete
  2. Arizona Supreme Court denies Jodi Arias' request to set aside the option of a death sentence

    Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/jodi-arias-grilled-court-face-death-penalty-article-1.1271292#ixzz2S4VdOMLd

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anon - Thanks for posting this! They decided just in the nick of time, didn't they?

      :)

      Delete
  3. My Forte - check out this shout out to one of your commenters here: http://mixedbagblog.com/2013/04/26/whats-wrong-with-dr-geffner/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay Nancy B! She always has lots of great info:)

      Delete
    2. Anon - Hey thanks for posting this! I had not seen this. :)

      Delete
  4. There Is A Battle Of Two Wolves Inside Us All.
    One is evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, lies, inferiority and ego.
    The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope,
    humility, kindness, empathy and truth.
    The wolf that wins? The one you feed.
    ~Cherokee Proverb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love love love this proverb! So glad that you posted it.

      Delete
    2. I love it, too! Beautiful! And very true.

      Sue

      Delete
  5. This guy Geffner is boring, i think Mr. Martinez is going to take him to the cleaners. At the end Jody will DIE....hurae...............

    ReplyDelete
  6. Off Topic but Dr Geffner is pissing we off so I'm barely listening.



    josemcyntire josemcyntire 23 Apr
    #jodiarias Family is working on a FOX NEWS Special! How they are allowed to film Specials during trial is beyond me!

    https://twitter.com/josemcyntire/status/326719001050877953/photo/1


    josemcyntire josemcyntire 23 Apr
    Aside from tweeting & artwork, #jodiarias is also writing BUSINESS PLANS in Jail! Pioneering inmate entrepreneurship?

    https://twitter.com/josemcyntire/status/326720942942339072/photo/1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At the rate this is going I'm really wondering how in the world they're going to be ready for closing arguments tomorrow. Poor jury's going to be exhausted from lack of sleep.

      Delete
  7. I'm on the East coast so I was cooking dinner and watching the trial. I wasn't fully focused but I thought I heard Wilmott ask the question "if the trauma involved a bear or a tiger, would it matter" or something along those lines. And Geffner said "YES, it would matter with this test, it's very specific to THE trauma". If I did hear correctly, isn't that a big plus for the prosecution?

    Also, how come this one guy's allowed to be rebutting both DeMarte and the ME's testimony! Is he a Jack of all Trades?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did not like this question when a juror first asked it. What I heard today was that Geffner's answer supported the defense's view of this question - that a trauma is a trauma and that it would not make a difference. I'll make sure to review that testimony tonight and then post definitively. So glad that you brought this up!

      Delete
    2. Oh darn, I thought he had answered that it would make a difference:(

      I'm feeling nervous about the verdict so I can only imagine how Travis' family is feeling right now. I am hoping and praying for justice for Travis.

      Delete
    3. I was wrong!!! You heard it correctly. Dr Geffner did admit that it would have importance. So sorry. :)

      Delete
    4. Thanks guys! Good catch Anon. NancyB, I had heard the same thing you did at one point, anyway. It was hard to watch that guy and I have thoroughly had it with the defense team.

      Sue

      Delete
  8. I have spent the day half listening to Dr. Geffner. He is so boring and just admitted knowing La Violette. hmmm.... some thing is not right? He is quick to question the prosecution witness ability to her diagnoses of Jodie having Board-line Personality Disorder... And seems to be honoring PTSD??

    ReplyDelete
  9. This witness is very booooooring!
    I'm falling asleep.
    He sounds just like Alyce.The killer's spell got to him too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AVL & Geffner go back all the way to before 2000. They are sidekicks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Didn't he edit her book or help her write it or something?

      Delete
    2. Yes he did and they have done seminars together for years - the next one is in Sept.

      Reviews of Geffner’s school

      http://www.collegetimes.tv/alliant-international-university-san-diego/#reviews

      Delete
  11. Dr. Geffner:
    Yes Sir
    No Sir
    Yes Sir
    No Sir
    Yes Sir
    No Sir
    (spills his water)
    Oh Shit
    I was doing so well
    No Sir
    Yes Sir
    No Sir
    Yes Sir
    No Sir

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, but you left out:

      Buuuurp oops, excuse me.

      Delete
  12. Does Dr. Geffner
    Dye his hair dark
    or
    Dye his moustache white

    He kinda of reminds us of the late actor Denver Pyle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon - you are making me laugh! He's 67 - so I'd guess he's dying his hair!

      Delete
    2. He does not dye his hair. I know this to be true. Sometimes peoples family members read these blogs. Try to show a little more respect for people that have dedicated their lives to a profession. You don't have to agree with him, but try to keep the personal stuff out. Makes you appear petty and hurts others feelings. He did not support Jody Arias. He was asked to review the tests to verify if they were valid. That is what he did. All the personal stuff is standard court room drama. No0thing more than that.

      Delete
  13. The following was posted on the Justice for Travis facebook page by his sister Tanisha, and I thought I would repost it here for anyone who hasn’t seen it:

    Message from Tanisha Sorenson
    To All the Supporters of Travis and our Family,
    As the time is now near to verdict time our family needs your support more than ever now. You all have been true examples of Christ, very giving , caring, kind hearted, and loving. The support of all of you has been heartfelt and has brought many smiles to our families faces during these hard times. We will be forever grateful !
    I know that the most important thing we can all continue doing is getting down on our knees and praying to the Lord that we will have Justice for Travis here on this earth. I know there will be Justice in the life to come in the eternities but I feel that the Lord will also have his hand in bringing Justice here on earth. Our Heavenly father hears our prayers and he will answer them.
    The jury will get this case on Monday the 6th and that’s why I have a special request from all of you to join us as we pray and fast for the Jury, For our Family, For Travis, and For the Ultimate Justice in this case.My family and I will be fasting and praying on Sunday May 5th. I know from my own personal experience that the Lord has answered my prayers after I fasted, and that’s why I know if we all do it on Sunday the 5th , he will see that we all have faith in him and that Justice is what we want and I feel he will deliver as he touches the hearts of the Jurors.
    We have all been brought together thru this horrible tragedy, we have all been touched by Travis and his inspiration as he was alive, by the things he did while he was alive, and by the people he helped and served while he was alive, and because of the Death of this amazing man , we all share the love, the loss, the hope, the sorrow, the life, the faith, the gratitude, the strength, the empathy, and the unity, together. May the Lord continued to bless all of you for all the strength and love you have shown our family.
    Don’t be sad for Travis for he is happy, in a wonderful place doing the Lords work, he continues to teach, learn, serve, laugh, make others laugh, sing, and rejoice in happiness. He is with our Savior Jesus Christ, he is with us in our hearts and minds , and he will be with us as we get the Verdict of Guilty of first degree Murder and have Justice for him! Our family loves you all!! Our Heavenly Father loves you, and Travis loves you!!
    Justice4Travis!!!

    I will be fasting on Sunday 5/5 in support of Travis and the family, and hope that others will as well. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer (regardless of one’s faith), especially in large numbers. We are all in this together.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hmmmm, lots of jury questions for Dr. Geffner. I wonder if that's good or bad.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Dr. Robert Geffner:
    His books are getting trashed in Amazon.com reviews.

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Robert%20Geffner

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good. I figured out that Dr Geffner ONLY seems to testify in states that he’s NOT licensed in, such as TN, AZ, HI. But no cases in TX or CA where he is licensed! Could that be because if he pulled the crap that he has in numerous cases in the states where he is licensed that those licenses may be in trouble if he were to repeat such unprofessional behavior. If the crap he’s pulled in other cases happened in CA, his actions would be referred to his professional licensing board!

      Delete
  16. There's a common expression in the medical profession: others may know the what; MDs know the why. Disturbing on myriad levels, when one listens to this "expert" testify way beyond his scope of knowledge. It's the difference between someone who appreciates a Rachmaninov piano concerto & the one who can actually play it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So well said! I love this comment!! It's been driving me nuts since yesterday that the defense would even consider having this poser challenge Dr Horn.

      Delete
    2. NancyB: Thought you'd get a laugh out of that. Can you imagine, w/ your experience as a trauma nurse, if the attending told you they were replacing the surgeon w/ this guy? How much confidence would you have, working your shift? Frightening.

      Delete
  17. Did you guys notice when the Dr. Horne testify and shown Travis brain pictures, almost all his family put their head down not to look, but Jodi's family they all look to the pictures. What's up with that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're like rubberneckers at a 10 car pile-up, on I-95.

      Delete
    2. Unbelievable. All of Travis' siblings were there today and dearest Deanna was sitting with them in the front row. Sky & Chris Hayes were in the 2nd row.

      And Willmott is so far gone–and so damn “green”–that she is attacking Dr. Horn –with NO SENSITIVITY– about how LIQUIFIED Travis’ brain was when he took “cross sections” of it.

      She has no clue how HORRIFIC she appeared doing that. She is so caught up in trying to mimic Juan’s style, that she has completely lost touch with the big picture.

      I mean.. this is –hands down– the least experienced and most offensive– the epitome of a lawyer who is caught up in “lawyering” (vs. being able to minimize the damage by keeping his/her mouth SHUT).

      Of course, I am happy to see her go down in flames.I just feel terrible for Travis’ family to have to sit through the details AGAIN & it was totally unnecessary. JA's family--disgust me. They are busy filming a FOX special as I posted above.

      Delete
    3. NancyB, I was happy to see the Hughes and Deanna there to support Travis' family. I'm sure they all felt Travis' spirit there with them too! I haven't seen the other sister there in quite a while though, just the one sister and the brother. Has she stopped going?

      Delete
    4. NancyB,
      A thousand thanks for posting Tanisha's Facebook message for all of Travis' supporters. I will GLADLY join in the fast on Sunday, May 5th. I believe in the power of prayer, and it seems clear that they appreciate the thoughts and prayers of others. We may not have known Travis Alexander in life, but we have become kindred spirits through this trial. Jodi Arias & Co have not succeeded in trashing his character. And her attorneys have sunk lower than I thought possible in order to protect a cold blooded killer who shows no remorse - only greed. Thanks again for posting Tanisha's FB post!

      Delete
  18. Jill Hayes, Ph.D.
    Clinical, Forensic, and Neuropsychologist

    http://hayespsychology.com/about/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wilmott tried to get snotty with Dr. Horn....
    Now Wilmott is getting snotty with Dr. Hayes.

    Maybe she is getting snotty because the defense team is missed happy hour at Applebees.

    ReplyDelete
  20. State rests! As the court stood for the jury, Jodie looked like a caged animal wanting to escape.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm on EST and we went to bed at 9 (hubby gets up really early for work!) so I turned it off just as Juan was asking Dr. Geffner "if the prosecutor told you he was 6ft tall would that be a lie or an exaggeration?" LOL, gotta love that little man:)

    I'm going to check youtube and see if anyone's posted Dr. Hayes testimony because I really want to see it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous (5/2 @ 3:25AM),
      I was disappointed that I also missed Dr. Jill Hayes testimony, but thankfully I heard a little on In Session this AM - they showed some of the direct examination by Juan Martinez. I'm so glad we are through with the experts! Let the closing arguments begin....

      Delete
  22. OMG again, thank you so much for this blog. I can not believe they found 3 defense witnesses to testify Jodi Arias but could they have gotten any 3 worse? And this one has a professional/financially connected relationship with the last one? umm....wow. If these are the only 3 that would speak up for her that should speak volumes to the jury. Hoping to see this end soon, but wanted to say thank you again dear lady. I am an author (as well as RN, mom, wife, etc) and I am so impressed with your work on here! Namaste and keep on keeping on! Hope your financial situation continues to improve AND that your future includes the writing you clearly are meant to create. =) God bless and the VERY best of luck! If you can let me know if I can help or just let me know how you are bospangle@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NursingBoop,
      I think the defense had a good witness in Alyce LaViolette but she lost credibility when she refused to even entertain the thought that Arias may have been lying to her. I can't get past that! Dr. Geffner, I almost felt bad for him..so awkward, spilling his water etc.! Thank you so much for your kind words about this blog. I'm glad I had the time to put it together, it's something I've always wanted to do but didn't have time! Maybe being laid off was a blessing in disguise? You wrote that you are an author (among other things!), what type of writing do you do if you don't mind me asking? No worries if you'd rather not disclose personal info. I would totally understand. Thank you again!

      Delete

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