Former University of Hartford student committed to 20 years in state mental hospital in stabbing of two fellow students while making film
Hartford CourantDec 23, 2019
“We still don’t know whether this is a long-term psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, or whether it was ... a brief psychotic disorder,” said Dr.
“You don’t know whether the symptoms will persist for a long time or whether this is over and resolved,” she said. “Only time and observation will tell.”
Kapoor said Wascher needs continued treatment, including medication and psychotherapy. She also said he may need substance abuse treatment in the future. She said she did not think his marijuana use contributed to the incident, but said “there is a relationship between psychosis and ongoing cannabis use.”
While defense attorney
Wascher’s defense, Nee said, “does not pass the smell test. I find it disturbing how so many were quick to buy into the [mental health] defense.” He also said he thinks Wascher “gamed the system.”
Nee read into the record details from several psychiatric evaluations of Wascher and highlighted what he viewed as inconsistencies and contradictions. He also cited comments about Wascher past lying and wondered whether the Wascher’s illness was an act.
“Is
She told the judge that she believes that with proper care, he son can recover and “be a very, very upstanding citizen in the future,” and expressed hope he would not be confined forever.
In committing Wascher to Whiting, Graham said a long period was necessary. He also noted that at the end of the 20-year commitment, the
Wascher was in the midst of a psychotic break, doctors testified, when he grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed
They were setting up a shot in a bedroom inside the apartment when the attack occurred. Nee was the first to be attacked, suffering stab wounds to his chest and back. He was rushed into surgery and hospitalized for a week. Gasparino suffered three stab wounds to his back and single wounds to his chest, right arm and right hand.
Both victims continue to recover from their injuries. Nee is scheduled to undergo additional surgery in coming weeks.
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