A man accused of a homicide no longer faces charges after they were dropped due to his inability to stand trial. According to the news, the 75-year-old man was believed to have killed his sister in 2016, but as a result of a severe dementia diagnosis, cannot stand trial. His sister was killed in an act of violence, being strangled, stabbed and beaten to death at the age of 75.
The man had been discovered wandering near his sister’s home; he was covered in blood and cuts. He had been spending the weekend with his sister while his wife was away, but he was being treated with medications for dementia. His sister was discovered in the brother’s bedroom in the home.
His sister had been stabbed with a knitting needle, found in her chest. There was significant bruising and injury to her neck and face. Her dog was also stabbed six times.
Two doctors provided opinions stating that they did not believe he would regain competency. The Eau Claire County district attorney agreed with the doctors’ letters, stating that a dismissal would be acceptable on these grounds.The dismissal doesn’t mean the man will go without monitoring. One doctor advised that he remain in a secure facility. Together, the doctors agreed and diagnosed the man with vascular dementia, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Mental illnesses can prevent those who commit violent crimes from being convicted unfairly. Whether it’s a long-term illness or singular event, mental illnesses can make it hard for people to understand what they’re doing in the heat of the moment.
Source: Leader-Telegram, “Homicide charges dropped against man accused of killing sister,” Chris Vetter, May 03, 2018
