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Psychologist: 4th suspect in Damascus rape case has severe ADHD

The defense’s first witness, clinical psychologist Randi Wortman says suspect meets the criteria for two types of ADHD -- hyper activity and inattention

DAMASCUS, Md. — A witness testified Tuesday that the fourth suspect in the DaMascus High School rape has severe ADHD, depression and anxiety.

The defense’s first witness, Clinical Psychologist Randi Wortman, said the suspect meets the criteria for two types of ADHD -- hyper activity and inattention. 

The suspect is one of four students being charged for an alleged rape that happened in the boy's locker room late last year. The 15-year-olds were initially charged as adults, but the judge has transferred three of suspects to juvenile court. The fourth suspect will learn his fate after a court hearing Thursday.

Prior to the incident, the fourth defendant had been suspended from school multiple times -- totaling 34 documented office referrals and eight documented suspensions. The defendant visited a therapist roughly eight times, but the family couldn't continue to financially support therapy. 

RELATED: Four 15-year-olds charged as adults for alleged rape at Damascus High School

Wortman also said the defendant has been medicated for ADHD since the end of February and his behavior in school and at home has improved dramatically.   

Wortman compares defendant’s diagnosis of ADHD and his inability to act appropriately when he's not on medicine to asking a person who cannot walk, to walk or move without the use of a wheelchair. “He simply cannot do it.”

This story will be updated as we learn more from the court room.

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