MONROE, N.C. — Attorneys for a man accused of fatally stabbing his neighbor is hoping an insanity defense will sway jurors.
Lamate Anderson is facing first-degree murder charges after prosecutors said he stabbed his neighbor, Yolanda Simon, in front of her daughter in February 2010 at her home in Monroe.
Simon was a single mother and a teacher at an Anson County Elementary School.
Tuesday, Anderson's family members testified that he often complained of hearing "voices in his head" and that he suffered from depression.
"In my mind, I always thought he needs some help....but I was told he was not a threat to me or anyone else. That's why I never did anything more. Now I wish I had," Anderson's mother testified.
Other testimony focused on Anderson's devout religious beliefs, and his history growing up in a Pentecostal church where both parents were pastors.
Anderson's brother told the jury that he and his brother were both taught, in their youth, that demonic possession was real.
Anderson's brother also said Anderson suffered from insomnia and would play loud music and video games in the middle of the night.
Prosecutors contend Anderson was not insane, but rather angry and confused over his sexual identity.
Last week, Anderson's ex-girlfriend told jurors about his impotency issues.
Tuesday, prosecutors also talked about an interview with Monroe Police after Anderson was arrested for Simon's murder, where he reportedly told them he kept thinking he could either "be gay, or be a killer."
Testimony will resume Wednesday morning, with closing arguments expected by Wednesday afternoon.
WSOC
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