People v. Bushee CA1/2

BACKGROUND

In 2002 and again in 2003, Bushee pleaded no contest to one count of battery on a non-confined person by a prisoner (§ 4501.5), and was sentenced to state prison. In 2006, Bushee was admitted to the Department of State Hospitals, and in 2009, to Patton State Hospital, where he is currently housed. On August 11, 2023, pursuant to section 2970, the prosecution filed a petition to extend Bushee’s civil commitment for a period of one year until March 10, 2025, alleging that he continued to suffer from a severe mental disorder that was not in remission and/or could not be kept in remission without treatment and that he represented a substantial danger to others. After Bushee denied the allegations of the petition and waived his right to a jury trial, a court trial was held on the petition on February 6, 2024. Dr. Joshua Craig testified that he has been Bushee’s treating psychologist at Patton State Hospital since June 2021 and sees Bushee a minimum of two or three times per week. Dr. Craig diagnosed Bushee with schizophrenia, based on symptoms including hallucinations or delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and negative symptoms including lack of motivation and…