Psychologist Testifies Joshua Komisarjevsky Was Sexually Abused As A Child

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A psychologist hired by the defense has testified that a Connecticut man charged in a deadly home invasion told him he was repeatedly sexually abused as a child.

Dr. Leo Shea testified Wednesday that Joshua Komisarjevsky told him he was sexually abused from ages 4 to 6 and was also burned and tortured. Shea says one person Komisarjevsky said had abused him admitted it.

Komisarjevsky faces a possible death sentence if convicted of the home invasion in 2007 that left Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters dead. He is charged with sexually abusing 11-year-old Michaela Petit.

Shea says medical records show Komisarjevsky suffered five concussions as a child and that Komisarjevsky reported additional concussions to him. Shea also says Komisarjevsky extensively abused drugs such as crystal methamphetamine.

Authorities say Komisarjevsky and Steven Hayes, both paroled burglars, broke into the Petit family's home, beat Dr. William Petit with a bat and tied up him and his family. Hayes was convicted of raping and strangling Petit's wife and killing the couple's two daughters, who died of smoke inhalation.

What do you make of the psychologist's testimony?  Share your thoughts in the comments section below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)