Rock Hill Judge Denies Release for Jimar Neely After Insanity Ruling

News Summary

A Rock Hill judge has denied the release of Jimar Neely, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2019 killings of two men. The decision balances public safety concerns and mental health issues, as family members of the victims opposed Neely’s release, citing his drug history and potential risk to community safety.

Rock Hill Judge Denies Release for Jimar Neely, a Man Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

In a ruling that has left many debating the balance between mental health and public safety, a judge in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has decided that Jimar Neely will not be released from the mental health facility where he has been confined since his trial. Neely, 34, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the 2019 killings of two men, Tim Barber and Robbin Thompson, who were tragically shot while sitting in a truck near Rock Hill.

A Gruesome Incident

The shocking events unfolded when Neely, armed and troubled, opened fire on the pair, leading to their untimely deaths. The chaos escalated when Neely proceeded to shoot at deputies who arrived to manage the scene, indicating the level of distress he was experiencing at the time. Neely has claimed to have heard voices and believed there were “invisible people” trying to harm him, which played a significant role in the ruling of his mental state during the incident.

The Journey Through the Legal System

After being found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2022, Neely has been confined to a secure mental hospital for treatment of schizophrenia. Just recently, a hearing was conducted where officials from the South Carolina Department of Mental Health presented arguments supporting Neely’s readiness for a transition to a residential care center. They stated that he had made significant improvements during his treatment, leading to hopes for a less restricted living arrangement.

Concerns About Drug Use

However, not all parties were convinced that Neely was prepared to step back into society. Prosecutor Kevin Brackett strongly opposed the move for release, citing Neely’s history of illegal drug use, even while being treated in a controlled environment. This concern was heightened by positive drug tests Neely had throughout the time surrounding the tragic incident. Brackett raised alarms that Neely’s pattern of substance use makes him a potential risk for public safety if given access to the outside world.

Judge’s Decision Reflects Public Safety Concerns

The judge, Keith Kelly, ultimately sided with the prosecution’s concerns, pointing out that Neely’s continued drug use reflects a troubling degree of irresponsibility about his actions and mental health stability. He emphasized that releasing Neely to an outpatient center would likely give him easier access to illegal substances, which could trigger an unstable and unsafe situation for both Neely and the community.

Victims’ Families Oppose Release

In the courtroom, emotional pleas came from family members of Neely’s victims, who urged the judge to keep Neely confined. Their voices contributed to the atmosphere of apprehension surrounding the potential release, underscoring the lasting impact of the violent crimes on their lives and the community’s safety.

Looking Ahead

Following the ruling, Neely’s attorney expressed disappointment but acknowledged the judge’s authority in the matter. They indicated that Neely remains committed to his mental health journey, hoping there might be a chance for future reconsideration. However, under current South Carolina law, Neely will have to wait for another opportunity to petition for release, with no clear timeline for when that could occur.

As the legal proceedings linger, the case of Jimar Neely continues to stir emotions and raise questions about how mental health issues intersect with the justice system and public safety. With the community on edge and families impacted, it remains a poignant chapter in the ongoing dialogue about mental health in America.

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