Deputy killer’s grandpa ends defense’s case in death penalty case [Video]

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla — The defense rested their case Wednesday morning in the penalty phase of the death penalty trial for a man who murdered a Nassau County Sheriff’s deputy.

Patrick McDowell confessed to shooting and killing Deputy Joshua Moyers during a traffic stop in 2021. On Tuesday, defense attorneys called two doctors to the witness stand who testified they believe McDowell was experiencing both post-traumatic stress disorder from his time serving in two Iraqi war zones and psychosis due to a meth “binge” when he murdered Moyers.

Testimony began Wednesday with another doctor, a forensic psychiatrist. Dr. Mikel Matto explained to jurors that PTSD changes the brain and has to do with the level of fear someone has experienced. He explained to jurors why people with PTSD may also have substance abuse issues. 

Matto testified as doctors did Tuesday, …