The Brief
- A Polk County jury is deciding whether to recommend the death penalty for Shaun Runyon after his conviction in a Davenport triple murder.
- A psychologist testified Tuesday that Runyon suffered from severe emotional disturbance, delusions, and a long history of substance abuse during the killings.
- Prosecutors argued during cross-examination that Runyon’s mental health diagnoses did not render his actions irrational or prevent them from being criminal.
DAVENPORT, Fla. – A Polk County jury is weighing a potential death sentence for 44-year-old Shaun Runyon following defense testimony regarding his mental health and drug abuse history.
Shaun Runyon death penalty hearing
What we know:
A psychologist testified Tuesday that Shaun Runyon experienced severe emotional disturbance when he killed three coworkers at a shared Davenport home in 2021. Dr. Tracy Hartig said Runyon suffered from military, sexual abuse, maternity, and poisoning delusions alongside past use of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.
Hartig testified that drug use combined with a delusional disorder impaired Runyon’s decision-making during the attacks. Detectives said Runyon used a baseball bat and a knife to kill the victims following an on-the-job disagreement.
Prosecutor questions delusion claims
What they’re saying:…