Defense began presenting its case in trial of Tommy Chisholm

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The defense begins presenting its case in the Capital Murder trial of Tommy Chisholm and gets dealt some serious blows. Judge Lee Howard denies 2 defense motions, one for a directed verdict, and one to lower the charge from capital murder to 1st-degree murder. A key defense witness was also disqualified. When questioned by the prosecution, it was determined that she did not meet all the qualifications to be considered an expert witness as a forensic and clinical psychologist. Defense Attorney Mark Cliett told the court that the witness had told him that she *had* met all of those qualifications. Cliett asked for a mistrial. Judge Howard denied that request. Defendant, Tommy Chisholm, also told the court that he would not be testifying on his own behalf. The trial is expected to last until Saturday.