People v. Steele CA5

FACTS

The Report The only evidence before the court at the recommitment hearing was the report submitted on November 1, 2012, by the medical director of Atascadero State Hospital. He was of the opinion that Steele qualified for continued treatment under Penal Code section 2970,1 and he recommended that the district attorney file a petition for another year of continued treatment. He attached a forensic report to support his opinion. The forensic report, written by psychologist Dr. Perry, stated that Steele had a severe mental disorder as defined in section 2962. He suffered from auditory hallucinations (including commands to kill others), persecutory delusions, grandiose delusions, paranoia, mood lability, and racing thoughts. His symptoms, consistent with Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, had “caused substantial impairments in his perception of reality, thought processes, emotional functioning, and behavior.” Dr. Perry stated that in July and August of 2012, Steele engaged in the following behaviors.2 He claimed to work for the FBI, accused a staff member of attacking him and trying to choke him, and stated that staff members were trying to poison him. In a delusional and…