May 22, 2002 By Patty Shultz 3 min read

PITTSBURGH – A chemical imbalance associated with the withdrawal of anti-depressants may have caused a Bullskin Township man to plan and carry out the murder of his ex-girlfriend and her daughter, according to an Illinois physician. Dr. James O’Donnell told jurors on Tuesday that when Joseph Minerd stopped taking prescribed medications in November 1998, his thought patterns could have been altered, causing him to experience homicidal tendencies.

O’Donnell was one of a dozen witnesses to testify for the defense as the jury considers Minerd’s fate.

Last week, the panel of 10 women and two men convicted Minerd, 47, of planting a pipe bomb in the Connellsville home of Deana Kay Mitts on Jan. 1, 1999, that exploded and killed her and her 3-year-old daughter, Kayla Ashley Mitts. Deana Mitts was approximately eight months pregnant with Minerd’s child at the time of her death.

With the guilty verdict, the jury is now required to determine whether Minerd will be executed or serve the rest of his life in jail.

Both the defense and prosecution is permitted to present testimony to substantiate their cases before the jury imposes the sentence.

According to medical and pharmaceutical records presented by the defense, Minerd began taking Zoloft and Trazodone after complaining to his physician that he wasn’t feeling well and not sleeping.

Zoloft, said O’Donnell, stimulates brain functions while Trazodone has an opposite effect and allows the patient to sleep.

However, he added, when the drugs are no longer being taken, the brain goes through a “wash period” when it no longer has the stimulant in its system.

“The brain chemistry must re-adjust and this could take an extended period of time,” O’Donnell told defense counsel, attorney Richard Kammen.

Case histories, he said, have indicated that patients who suddenly stop taking the drugs have experienced suicidal and homicidal tendencies.

“Could this be the cause of this crime?” asked Kammen.

“It helps to explain it,” responded O’Donnell.

During cross examination, the Chicago-based physician told chief criminal prosecutor Leo Dillon, assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District, that his theories were the result of reviewing Minerd’s medical records only and not through observation or examination.

“You have no knowledge if Mr. Minerd suffered any homicidal tendencies?” asked Dillon. “You have no knowledge if Mr. Minerd suffered any psychosis?”

“No,” responded O’Donnell.

In other testimony, Allegheny County Jail and Northern Regional Jail correction officers testified that Minerd was a model prisoner during his tenure at their respective facilities. Minerd was incarcerated at the Pittsburgh facility following his arrest in December 1999. He was later transferred to the Moundsville, W.Va., site.

Allegheny County Jail Officer Richard Pifer described Minerd as a “very quiet man” and “respectful.”

Corrections Officer Gordon McIntyre said that in addition to his volunteer work in the pantry serving meals, Minerd additionally assisted juveniles housed in the same area with math and reading skills and organized activities.

“He had good interaction with other prisoners,” said McIntyre.

Minerd’s niece and nephew, April Golden and James Minerd Jr. also took the stand to ask the jury to spare the life of their uncle.

“He’s a good person,” said James Minerd.

Testimony will resume today at 9 a.m.