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Judge To Rule On ESP Claims In Jacksonville Murder Case

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JACKSONVILLE (CBSMiami/AP) – A self-proclaimed clairvoyant, who said she prophesized her daughter's death, might be a key to the defense of the man accused of murdering a Jacksonville girl.

Lawyers for 58-year-old Donald James Smith argue that jurors have a right to decide whether the mother might have taken steps to make her prophecy come true.

Smith, a sex offender, is charged with the June 21, 2013, rape and murder of 8-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle. Prosecutors say Smith lured the Perrywinkles to a Wal-Mart with promises to buy them food and clothing.

The mother, Rayne Perrywinkle, lost custody of her other children after the slaying.

The Florida Times-Union reports that the judge may call Rayne to the stand during the trial to determine whether her claims are admissible.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.)

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