May 12, 2008 2:58 pm US/Eastern
'Stun Belt' Ordered For Horse Farm Slaying Suspect
Sheila LaBarre Will Wear Device During Jury Tour Of Her Farm
BRENTWOOD, N.H. (AP) ―
Sheila LaBarre will be wearing a stun belt underneath her clothes as she joins jurors in her insanity trial on a visit to her Epping horse farm, where she killed two boyfriends.
Judge Tina Nadeau explained to LaBarre on Monday that the belt would be controlled by sheriffs accompanying her on the tour Tuesday. If LaBarre tries to escape, the sheriffs will press a button, releasing an electric shock from the belt that will prevent her from running.
Nadeau said the jury will not be able to see the belt, and although a shock from it would cause discomfort, it does not cause physical harm.
LaBarre asked the judge to assure here "someone doesn't shock me arbitrarily," then added, "I can guarantee you I have no desire to flee."
The viewing of the horse farm and other sites relevant to the case, including the Wal-Mart in Epping where LaBarre was seen pushing a sallow-looking Kenneth Countie in a wheelchair days before his death in 2006, is scheduled to last throughout Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday afternoon, attorneys will present opening statements in LaBarre's trial. Jury selection was completed Monday afternoon with 18 people picked. Twelve people will serve as jurors and six will be alternates.
LaBarre has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to killing the 24-year-old Countie, formerly of Wilmington, Mass., and Michael Deloge in 2005.
In an insanity case, the defense is burdened with proving whether LaBarre was insane at the time of the crimes; it will present evidence first.
LaBarre's attorney, Jeffrey Denner, said they will likely call a member of LaBarre's family to testify on Tuesday, though he did not specify which one. He said the defense plans to present expert testimony on Wednesday.
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