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06/26/2012 05:16 PM

Prosecution rests in Wellsboro murder trial

By: Web Staff

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TIOGA COUNTY, Pa. -- The prosecution has rested its case in the trial of a Tioga County, Pennsylvania man accused of stabbing another man to death last year.

Investigators say Matthew Priset stabbed Clinton Perry three times in the neck and chest, killing him last January. It happened at Perry's home on Wolf Run Road in Wellsboro.

Authorities say the victim's mother, Rene Perry, confronted Priset with a gun after the fight. Priset then took the weapon as he left the home.

In Tioga County Court Tuesday, a forensic psychiatrist who evaluated Priset testified he had been diagnosed with schizo-effective disorder and bipolar disorder. The psychiatrist said despite Priset's diagnoses, he accurately described the incident.

Priset said he took a knife to Perry's house because he heard the man had a gun. Priset admitted to calling Perry a "Satanist" as he stabbed him. The doctor testified that Priset got rid of the knife, which indicates he knew what he was doing and knew it was wrong.

The defense is pleading insanity, but the witness said Priset is not insane, just mentally ill.

Priset is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, burglary and theft.

The defense begins calling witnesses Wednesday.