Psychological Testimony Allowed in Facebook Murder-for-Hire Trial

A psychologist’s testimony that Christine Metter exhibits traits of two personality disorders will be allowed during her trial in January, a judge ruled today.

Metter, 41, and her father, Al Zombory, 76, both of Beachwood, have been charged with offering Metter’s high school acquaintance, Patrick Sabo, $50,000 to kill her ex-husband.

Forensic psychologist Dr. John Matthew Fabian met with Metter twice in October and concluded that Metter has borderline personality disorder with mixed traits.

Metter listened silently in court today as Fabian testified that during his sessions with her she showed characteristics such as defensiveness, compulsiveness, sensitivity to criticism and difficulty making decisions on her own. He also said that she "becomes uncomfortable when she is not the center of attention" and displayed dependence on others, especially men. These are traits from two different personality disorders: histrionic and dependent, he said.

Defense attorney Michael Lear argued that, because of these characteristics, Metter was more susceptible to her father’s and Sabo's suggestions that they hire a hitman to kill her ex-husband. 

Fabian also said that Metter told him that when she called Sabo after their June Facebook chat, it was because she was interested in seeing him — not because she wanted to offer him money to kill her ex-husband.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Neroda argued that Lear had not proven that these personality traits are relevant to the charge Metter faces.

Judge Eugene A. Lucci ruled from the bench that the evidence is relevant to the trial and he would allow it.

Both Zombory and Metter are charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Metter is awaiting her Jan. 9, 2012 trial in Lake County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Metter and Zombory are accused of offering money first to Metter's high school friend, and later to an undercover detective, to kill her ex-husband.

 said Sabo. He testified in an earlier hearing that when she complained about her ex in a Facebook chat, he jokingly suggested she put a hit on him. But she took him seriously, Sabo said, and her father later offered him $50,000 to do it.

Zombory is also in Lake County Jail on a $500,000 bond. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2012.