Jennifer Ladd, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, went on trial this week on charges that she murdered a boyfriend she described as abusive

Ladd, 37, is charged with first-degree murder. State prosecutors say she stabbed Louis Fast Horse, 43, who was Rosebud Sioux, in February 2009. Both were from the reservation but the incident took place off the reservation.

Ladd brought in a psychologist who said she suffered from battered women's syndrome. Ladd and other witnesses, including her daughter, testified about a number of abusive incidents involving Fast Horse.

The state brought its own expert who said Ladd did not suffer from battered women's syndrome despite a history of abuse in her prior relationships. The state also called in her former husband, who testified that she stabbed him on three separate occasions.

Ladd faces life in prison if she is convicted.

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