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<b>Jensen Trial:</b> Psychotherapist Testifies

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Jensen Trial: Psychotherapist Testifies

By Katie DeLong

ELKHORN – The jury in the wife poisoning trial is hearing an entirely different story about what happened the day Julie Jensen died. The first witness the defense called Friday is a psychotherapist who testified he treated Julie Jensen for depression. Doctor Paul DeFazio treated Julie Jensen for depression several years before her 1998 death. Attorney Craig Albee: "Your ultimate diagnosis is that Mrs. Jensen was suffering from a long term depressive disorder." "That is correct," Dr. Paul DeFazio said. DeFazio described Julie Jensen as a new mom suffering from post partum and seasonal depression. The doctor testified depression ran in Julie’s family-her mother was an alcoholic and her brother attempted suicide as a teen. DeFazio says her depression got worse in late fall. She died on December 3rd. DeFazio's testimony supports the defense's argument that Julie Jensen poisoned herself. Attorney Craig Albee: "There is a link between depression and suicide?" "That is correct?" Dr. DeFazio said. Attorney Craig Albee: "And most people that commit suicide are depressed?" "Most are," Dr. DeFazio said. The state argued Julie only went to therapy because she had an unhappy childhood and wanted to be a good wife and mother. DeFazio testified also testified Julie Jensen told him she would never kill herself. Attorney Angelina Gabrielle: "She said she could not do it because of her baby?" "That is correct," Dr. DeFazio said. Attorney Angelina Gabrielle: "Once again proving to you her dedication to her baby?" "That is correct," Dr. DeFazio said.