Divorce On Death Row

Eric McLean of Knoxville is charged with shooting a teenager who he claims became romantically involved with his wife. On March 10th, McLean shot the teen while he sitting in front of the McLean home.

Mrs. McLean met the high school student months before the shooting, while doing her student teaching.

In addition to the alleged affair with the teen, McLean also alleges that his wife had an inappropriate affair with a woman.

In the complaint filed in the divorce court, Eric said further that his wife abused their two sons. We don't yet know the truth of these allegations, since divorce papers often have a laundry list of wrong-doing.

What I'm wondering is why Eric filed for divorce at the same time he is on trial for second-degree murder. It may be that he believes the divorce will help his criminal defense, since he will be able to make all sorts of accusations against his wife.

He may also hope to deflect attention from the shooting, and boost his defense that he became so enraged that he could not control his emotions or actions. McLean may believe that his situation is equivalent to finding your spouse in a compromising position, expecting a jury might better understand his frame of mind.

I've not been able to get additional information, but I have some doubts about a high school student teacher beginning a relationship with a student. It could be that the young man was enamored of the teacher but there really was no affair.

Filing for divorce while you're a murder suspect seems to me to be frivolous or at least premature, considering what lies ahead for him.

What do you think?

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