Too often, we learn of the wrongs, the bad choices by cops and prosecutors that make us wonder where their mothers went wrong. Lest one get the wrong impression, not every exercise of prosecutorial discretion results in another shocking, mind-bogglingly stupid prosecution. Sometimes, prosecutors use their authority to make sure the right thing is done, and when that happens, they deserve recognition and appreciation.
From the AP, prosecutors in Ravena, Ohio, joined with the defense in concluding that an autistic 18 year old was not competent to stand trial for the fatal beating of his mother, a professor at Kent State.
The implications of both mental illness, traumatic brain injury and autistic spectrum disorders are vast for the criminal justice system, and largely underappreciated. The decision by the Revena prosecutors to join with the defense in recognizing the impact of autism on Walker’s mental state demonstrates a remarkable concern for justice and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Bravo. Justice was served, and I hope that Sky Walker receives the care that he needs and will help him.
From the AP, prosecutors in Ravena, Ohio, joined with the defense in concluding that an autistic 18 year old was not competent to stand trial for the fatal beating of his mother, a professor at Kent State.
How easy would it have been for prosecutors to argue that autism is no excuse for a terrible crime, and pursue this young man with the full weight of its power. Like shooting fish in a barrel, another successful murder conviction was there for the taking. And yet, they acted with restraint, with thoughtfulness and with recognition of the limits of culpability inherent in autism.Prosecutors and defense attorneys told a judge Friday that an autistic teenager is not competent to stand trial in the fatal beating of his mother, a Kent State University professor.
The attorneys said they accepted a mental health evaluation of Sky Walker, 18, that concluded he is unable to help in his defense.
The prosecution would be satisfied if the judge orders Walker sent to a facility that ensures that “the public is protected from any further acts of violence or aggression,” said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Francis M. Ricciardi.
Less than two weeks after the mental evaluations were completed in March, Walker was moved from jail to a state-run center in Toledo. The center’s nine group homes serve about 160 people, most of whom have severe mental retardation.
The implications of both mental illness, traumatic brain injury and autistic spectrum disorders are vast for the criminal justice system, and largely underappreciated. The decision by the Revena prosecutors to join with the defense in recognizing the impact of autism on Walker’s mental state demonstrates a remarkable concern for justice and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Bravo. Justice was served, and I hope that Sky Walker receives the care that he needs and will help him.
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Sir, thanks for posting this rare act of heroism. I read the openning paragraph and lost a bet with myself, that it didn’t happen in this third world country I’ve known as Texas from birth. Finally, a prosecutor worthy of putting out should he burst into flames. Too bad these reports of “Prosecutors Gone Good” are rare and far apart. Thanks again.