John Hamilton Poet Dramatic Monologue

Not Criminally Responsible

Not criminally responsible

In a few seconds it was over, Tim never had a chance.
He was killed, decapitated actually. The police arrested the killer 
with Tim's head in hand. The trial judge ordered a psychiatric exam,
and it was determined that he (the killer) was schizophrenic, 
and at the time of the killing was experiencing a psychotic episode. 
The judge declared him to be NCR (Not criminally responsible) 
and ordered him to go to a medical facility for treatment for an 
undetermined time. After a few years, it was observed that the killer understood that he needed his medication to be able to live without 
being a danger to himself or to society in general. After eight years 
the killer was released back into the general population, under minimum supervision. Tim's mother was distraught at the news, and was rendered speechless. Was justice served?


December 19,2018

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Constance La France December 27, 2018 at 5:10 PM John, oh yes I recall that case, he got on a bus and cut off the poor guys head and I too was speechless at this persons release and I weep for this mother who has to live with this for the rest of her life and to know her sons killer is free, no justice was not served. Congratulations on your win in the contest. John Hamilton December 27, 2018 at 8:56 PM Thanks Constance, yeah it's a tragic situation all around!

Lorna Safronick December 22, 2018 at 6:04 PM I was horrified when the news broke of the original story. How could something so terrifying happen here? No justice for Tim in my opinion. John Hamilton December 23, 2018 at 8:43 AM I agree, the killer is enjoying his freedom while Tim's family continues to suffer.

Paul Callus December 21, 2018 at 9:41 AM Was justice served? Your question is quite a poser, John! Would I want to give him another chance...would I want him living next door? Am I capable of being a fair judge? Do those who have the power ever learn from previous mistakes? I rest my case! ~ Congratulations on a most merited win. Regards // paul John Hamilton December 21, 2018 at 11:53 AM Thanks for the visit Paul, it is a complicated problem for society.

Andrea Dietrich December 20, 2018 at 8:58 PM this happens all the time in the states. It's beyond comprehension. They keep letting maniacs and rapists back on the streets to kill and destroy lives again and again. Nicely done, JOhn. Also I am so pleased you enjoyed my sonnet. John Hamilton December 20, 2018 at 9:05 PM Thanks Andrea, it is a sad situation!

Vladislav Raven December 20, 2018 at 10:58 AM Hi John, this is a terrible story. This is a hard one to say the right and wrong. O the one hand, a horrific murder has been committed. There has to be a come=uppance. The Killer is not criminally responsible. If the killer is not criminally responsible, surely someone must be. A person is dead. You do pose a perplexing question John, within my own mind. How can you release someone who has committed such a horrific crime? Your friend....Mike. John Hamilton December 20, 2018 at 11:56 AM So true Mike...it is a complex problem with no real solution!

Heidi Sands December 19, 2018 at 1:17 PM What a horrific story. I don't believe should have been released. John Hamilton December 19, 2018 at 5:49 PM Thanks Heidi, it's a sad story all around!

Tom Cunningham December 19, 2018 at 12:26 PM Always a difficult one, if it's proved beyond any doubt that the person was ill at the time of the crime then can you really charge them. That said why was someone like that living in the community when they should have been in a secure hospital. Tom. John Hamilton December 19, 2018 at 5:48 PM Yeah it's a difficult situation, thanks for your feedback Tom!

Sand Blown December 19, 2018 at 12:07 PM light and dark are illusions of...the spectrum is riddled with colors, call them grey if you wish...innocent or guilty are the extremes...treating the illnesses of a society is better than its struggling for vengeance...so, treatment or vengeance for all Sand Blown December 19, 2018 at 4:11 PM he should have an ankle bracelet and have to report to a doctor every day or day to ensure he takes the meds... it's a better step than no real help in a prison before release John Hamilton December 19, 2018 at 12:24 PM Interesting perspective SB. So if he doesn't take his meds?