The Journal doubles up on coverage of Thursday’s Michael Hayes hearing.
The Journal’s lead editorial says:
Judge Balog issued his decision Thursday. Finding that Hayes was still mentally ill and dangerous, he recommitted him – this time. But Hayes has the right to an annual hearing on whether he will be released. Each time he has asked for a hearing, the number of experts favoring his release has grown. One day in the not-too-distant future, he’ll walk, free and clear.
The N&R, however, begs to differ:
Balog based his ruling on Hayes’ history of drug and alcohol addiction, which he said is evidence of mental illness. If that reasoning is applied by other judges in the future, Hayes will never go free.
The original verdict understandably outraged Hayes’ surviving victims and the families of those killed, but no judge is inclined to treat him as if he really is not guilty.