LETTER: Suspect in crime should not get off without care for his mental state

I recently submitted a letter of concern similar to this one to the county attorney regarding David Joseph Lenio.

A common theme found in the tragedies at Sandy Hook, Columbine and in Arizona with the shooting of Gabby Giffords would be that the perpetrators of such heinous acts exhibited severe psychological problems, many of which occurred prior to the acts they committed.

In my opinion, David Joseph Lenio opined hateful, and severely disturbing thoughts. These included a desire to murder religious leaders (specifically Jewish leaders), murder multiple victims and even murder children. Identifying any particular group in such a manner should alert all to identify this as hate speech.

Also, stating a desire to murder and include children among his victims, would in my opinion, make one very concerned that this individual is exhibiting severe psychological problems. Noting this, it is worthy to question why this individual had not been hospitalized or incarcerated since the time of his original arrest. Having him reside in another state prior to his formal trial and even considering not allowing him to reside in Montana in the future as sufficient punishment begs the question as to whether we will again suffer the consequences of letting someone with a probable severe mental disturbance (causing him to spew hateful speech and murderous ideations) live without continual medical or other form of direct supervision (incarceration).

 I hope we do not have to experience another tragedy due to the lack of adequately addressing a destructive person’s desire to do evil. —Stephen B. Schnall, Bigfork