Governor Daniels Commutes Death Sentence
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Gov. Mitch Daniels on Monday commuted the death sentence of Arthur Baird II, who was scheduled to be executed this week for killing his parents in 1985.
The order from Daniels changes Baird's sentence to life in prison without possibility of parole. Baird's lawyers have argued he was insane, but the state Parole Board last week voted 3-1 to recommend that the execution proceed.
"Courts recognized Mr. Baird as suffering from mental illness at the time he committed the murders, and Indiana Supreme Court Justice Ted Boehm recently wrote that Mr. Baird is 'insane in the ordinary sense of the word.' It is difficult to find reasons not to agree," Daniels said in a statement.
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Mr. Baird will still die while incarcerated. I know we're the only nation in the western industrialized world that still has a death penalty, but it is particularly troubling when the inmate is mentally ill. I am glad Governor Daniels had the courage to make this decision.
posted by torporindy at 8/29/2005
3 Comments:
"Baird appeared ready to accept the [plea bargain] agreement, but suddenly reversed course and, apparently because of his delusional state, rejected the deal."
If he was delusional, then he probably suffered from Schizophrenia or Schizo-Affective Disorder, which arises from elevated levels of the neuropeptide, Dopamine.
Dopamine is implicated in mood disorders. Elevated levels of Dopamine can cause hallucinations and delusional beliefs. Depressed levels can cause classical depressed mood (the "moody blues") as well as Parkinson's Disease.
Understanding Dopamine-driven personality disorders is important in recognizing the most ethical way to treat people who suffer from erratic modulation and regulation of various neuropeptides which affect cognitive function, learning, and behavior.
the usa's president is also mentally ill
The 23rd Pslam
The Bush is my Schlepper
I shall not rant.
He maketh me lie about greener pastures:
He leadeth me into the burning desert.
He rescoreth my foul:
He leadeth me in the paths of mendacity for His fame's sake.
Yea, though I lumber through the valley of the shadow of wealth,
I will fear no scroundel: For thou hath recused me;
Thy wand and thy buttons, they crumble me.
Thou preparest a fable before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with greasepaint; My Humvee runneth for cover.
Surely balefulness and hearsay shall follow me all the days of my strife,
and I will dwell in the House of the Crushed forever.
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