Forensic psychologist testifies in child neglect trial

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A psychologist testified during day nine of a trial for a couple charged with human trafficking, civil rights violations, and child neglect in Kanawha County.
Published: Jan. 27, 2025 at 8:15 PM EST
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KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A forensic psychologist testified Monday during day nine of a trial for a couple charged with human trafficking, civil rights violations, and child neglect in Kanawha County.

Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz are accused of locking children inside a closed-off area of a barn on a Sissonville property.

Both the state and defense have rested their cases.

On Monday, the state called a forensic psychologist to the stand to rebut some of the testimony presented by the defense.

Based on his experience, the psychologist said he believes the alleged victims were abused.

“Three kids standing out in December, in T-shirts, outside, was in 2021. I began to see things that were not consistent with what I would consider appropriate parenting of kids. That’s the best way I can say it,” the psychologist said during testimony.

The jury will be given instructions Tuesday morning, and closing arguments will begin later that day.

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