THE TOOLAN TRIAL
Monday, June 18
Mothers embrace at Monday's trial
By Mary Lancaster
Nantucket Independent Writer

Today's session in the murder trial for Thomas Toolan, III, held poignant moments when his mother, Dolores Toolan began to break down twice while testifying about her son and having met Elizabeth "Beth" Lochtefeld, the woman Toolan is accused of murdering on Oct. 25, 2004. The judge called for a recess, but when Mrs. Toolan returned to the courtroom, before she rejoined her husband and Toolan's sister, who was with them today, she sat close to Judy Lochtefeld, the victim's mother, and cried. With an expression of sincere empathy, Mrs. Lochtefeld listened intently to what Toolan's mother was saying and appeared to be trying to console her. The two women hugged before Mrs. Toolan got up to sit with her family. Mrs. Toolan said her son had problems with alcohol since he was 16 or 17 and "was always able to cover it up." She recounted his schooling and work histories and the last times she and her husband had contact with their son.

Jurors today also heard from defense witnesses Thomas Shamshak, who has a private investigation business and 20 years' experience with various police departments. He detailed his search of Toolan's Manhattan apartment and the bottles of vodka, both empty and full, that he saw as well as a host of empty and partially full prescription pill vials. Defense lawyer Kevin eddington also called Dr. Ronald Ebert to the stand, a state forensic psychologist who interviewed Toolan on four occasions and described him as "suspicious," though cooperative, and Dr. David Benjamin, a clinical pharmacologist and forensic toxologist who discussed how alcohol, and alcohol mixed with drugs can affect a person under varying circumstances.

Judge Richard F. Connon told the jury that he anticipates final testimonies will conclude early tomorrow afternoon, when he will dismiss the panel for the day and have them return Wednesday morning for closing arguments, his instructions on the law and the start of deliberations. Once the jury begins deliberating the case they will not be allowed to leave the courthouse unless they do not reach a decision by a reasonable hour and the judge sends them home to come back and continue the next day.

Reddington said he expects sentencing to occur shortly after the verdict.