From: Pitt

Acne medication was likely causing John Mullarkey's depression and a mental disorder when he killed his Gateway High School girlfriend after she told him it was over, defense witnesses testified Thursday.

Attorney Robert Stewart presented the heart of his defense to an Allegheny County jury, bolstering his claim that Mullarkey, 20, was suffering mental side effects from the drug Accutane when he stabbed cheerleader Demi Cuccia, 16.

"Accutane seems to have a very checkered past with respect to side effects," said Dr. Dan Wagner, a Hampton pharmacologist testifying in court for the first time. He said Accutane played a role in the killing.

"There are warnings about depression, psychosis, and suicide," he said. "I don't think the FDA would (require) that unless there was a problem with the drug."

Wagner, who has a degree in pharmacy from Duquesne University, operates a store, NutriFarmacy, which specializes in natural herbs and supplements.

Testimony from defense psychiatrist Dr. Robert Wettstein offered a glimpse into the moments before Cuccia was stabbed and what he said Mullarkey was thinking. Wettstein has testified on multiple occasions in criminal and civil court.

Wettstein testified Mullarkey told him that Cuccia invited him to her Monroeville home Aug. 15, 2007. When he arrived she gave him a hug and a kiss and then turned angry, telling him she was sick of him.

"He said he felt criticized, castigated, like garbage, like (he) wasn't a person. He said she was sitting on the couch. He kneeled on her, and she punched him," Wettstein said about his jail interview with Mullarkey. "He recalled pulling out the pocket knife but he could not recall stabbing her."

Wettstein diagnosed Mullarkey with depression and an adjustment disorder.

On cross-examination, Deputy District Attorney Mark Tranquilli questioned Wagner's credentials and lack of experience in dealing with Accutane.

"Most of (the Accutane information) I've read in literature. I've read up on it more lately," said Wagner, who conceded he rarely dealt with the drug. "I would only get the warnings like every other pharmacist in the country."

Tranquilli plans to present his own expert witnesses today. Peters dermatologist Mark Seraly will testify to the drug's safety and widespread use. Seraly frequently offers opinions in medical malpractice cases, according to his Web site.

Psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Wright, a frequent prosecution witness, will also testify for the prosecution to rebut Wettstein's testimony that Mullarkey was suffering from mental disorders.