State v. Reid

— The question is whether an insanity acquittee must be unconditionally released from confinement in a mental institution if he establishes he no longer suffers from a mental disease or defect. We conclude our statute requires no less, reverse the Court of Appeals, and order Mr. Reid’s unconditional release.

Facts

Thomas Reid voluntarily ingested hallucinogenic drugs during April and June of 1994. Two months later Reid suffered a psychotic episode during which he shot and killed his roommate Aaron Hughes. Reid was charged with first degree murder and entered a plea of not guilty by reason of…