Scientology made me do it: Murder suspect, 35, facing death penalty for ‘bludgeoning sister-in-law and her boyfriend with a hatchet because they treated their son with psychiatric drugs’ claims he shouldn’t be executed because the church rejects medication
- Kenneth Thompson allegedly killed couple and burned down their Arizona home
- Victims’ son took psychiatric medication – which Scientology staunchly rejects
- Attorneys have subpoenaed church records and brought in members to testify
Kenneth Wayne Thompson, 35, claims he should be spared the death penalty for the alleged double murder due to his beliefs in Scientology
A Missouri man accused of bludgeoning his sister-in-law and her boyfriend to death with a hatchet because they treated their son with psychiatric drugs is leaning on Scientology to save him from the death penalty.
Kenneth Wayne Thompson, 35, allegedly drove non-stop for 24 hours from his home in rural Missouri to reach the couple in Prescott Valley, Arizona, before murdering them and torching their home to cover his tracks.
Prosecutors say he should face the death penalty because the killings were premeditated – but he claims his belief in Scientology dictated his marathon drive.
Thompson says he had to save his wife’s nephew, who was taking medication for psychological issues – something Scientologists reject.
The murder suspect believed the nephew’s eternal soul was at risk due to the drugs.
Jurors were asked about their views on Scientology during jury selection in the Arizona murder trial, the the Arizona Republic reported.
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Thompson says he had to save his wife’s nephew, who was taking medication for psychological issues – something Scientologists reject
Prominent Scientologist Tom Cruise was even mentioned during opening arguments, according to the paper.
Cruise went on a now-infamous rant about psychiatric drugs to Matt Lauer during an interview promoting his Steven Spielberg directed film War of the Worlds.
Thompson’s attorneys have asked for testimony from Scientology experts, including actress and church absconder Leah Remini – and will use church records and documents to make their defense.
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