May 13, 2015 4 min read

Two doctors testified Wednesday that, while Jordan Clemons suffered from a brain injury, limited cognitive function, drug and alcohol problems, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, it could not be determined if these issues contributed to Karissa Kunco’s brutal murder.

Dr. Sue Beers and Dr. Duncan Clark, both professors and clinicians at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine, completed assessments of Clemons. Beers, a neuropsychologist, testified Clemons’ brain scans noted some type of brain injury related to a trauma. Beers said testing also revealed Clemons had a below-average level of intelligence and other cognitive ability problems.

Clemons’ attorneys argued head injuries he suffered both on and off the football field, plus years of drug abuse, diminished his mental capacity. As a result, they claim Clemons should be sentenced to life in prison, not death. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty in the case.

Clemons, 26, was found guilty of first-degree murder Monday after a Washington County jury deliberated for a little more than an hour. Clemons’ attorneys admitted he killed Kunco Jan. 11, 2012, and dumped her body in a wooden section off of Sabo Road in Mt. Pleasant Township.

Beers also could not say Clemons’ abusive childhood resulted in his brain injury. The defense put 16 witnesses on the stand over a two-day period, many of which testified to Clemons’ abusive childhood and the effect they believed it had on his life.

“(Clemons’) brain injury is not significant enough to (negate) his ability to kill,” Beers testified.

Clark, a psychologist and psychiatrist who focuses on adolescent substance abuse, said at his worst, Clemons reported drinking 18 alcoholic beverages a day, and smoking marijuana and cocaine on a daily basis. Clark diagnosed Clemons with PTSD and depression, saying the two helped to fuel his addiction as Clemons searched for relief and pleasure.

Clark said Clemons exhibited the “most extreme frequency use” of drugs and alcohol and his cognitive issues made it difficult to control his substance abuse.

Clark did note the combination of problems Clemons exhibited “indicates that he a had a severe mental disturbance.” However, he was unable to discern Clemons’ mental state or level of intoxication the night Kunco was murdered.

In addition to the medical testimony, the jury also heard statements from Clemons’ mother, Freda Thorpe. Thorpe echoed pervious testimony about her family’s abusive home life and the effect it had on Clemons.

“We had two lives,” she said in court. “One inside the home and one outside the home.”

Thorpe, who separated from Jordan’s father, Robert Clemons Jr. in 2004, said she and her three children endured verbal, mental, emotional and physical abuse.

“There was rage in the house. We were afraid to come home,” she said. “I believed things would change, but they didn’t.”

Thorpe also testified about her son’s drug and alcohol use. She said it increased around the time she separated from his father, but their separation wasn’t the only thing fueling his use.

“At the end of 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Thorpe said. “He was all messed up after my diagnosis. He was muted and angry.”

Thorpe said she tried to get Clemons to seek help, but it never worked. Clark testified that Clemons was sent to an inpatient rehabilitation facility on three separate occasions. His length of stay varied, and it appeared his drug and alcohol use increased after each treatment.

The 2011 death of his older brother, Robert Clemons III, really pushed him over the edge, Thorpe said.

“It was like a father-son relationship,” she said about her boys. “That was (Jordan’s) hero. I’ve never heard my children cry so loud or so hard.”

Other family members also testified for the defense. All said Clemons had a normal, happy childhood, and while they knew about the physical, drug and alcohol abuse, they did not know the extent.

At Wednesday’s end, Deputy Public Defender Brian Gorman, who is representing Clemons along with Assistant Public Defender Charles Carpinelli, completed his portion of the penalty phase. The prosecution completed its portion Monday.

Closing statements will take place this morning. Gorman said the jury should have the case at lunchtime.