In what can only be described as a plot twist worthy of a thriller movie, Orange County, California, is facing a staggering dilemma. The area is grappling with a troubling situation that has the district attorney, Todd Spitzer, on his toes. He is working tirelessly to prevent the release of several mentally ill offenders, including some who have committed horrendous crimes. Among these individuals is Ivan Dimov, who, believe it or not, gained notoriety for a gruesome act of violence involving a hammer and a hatchet. It seems that California’s mental health system is on the brink of failure, and the clock is ticking.
The unfortunate story begins with a heart-wrenching tragedy. In November 2016, Kyle Avila, Kelly Casey’s brother, was brutally murdered by Dimov, a total stranger. Dimov didn’t just stop at one attack; after breaking in through a window, he continued his vicious assault on Kyle, pulling him from his vehicle and hacking him mercilessly. Dimov was charged with first-degree murder but later deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. Now, due to legal loopholes and a lack of secure mental health facilities, this killer might walk free, heralding a truly terrifying prospect for the community.
As if that weren’t enough to keep residents on high alert, the problem extends beyond Dimov. D.A. Spitzer has pointed out that there are at least eleven other individuals with similar mental health claims who might also be released into the community if the situation doesn’t improve. Among them is a man accused of attempting to rape a neighbor. Just the thought of these offenders potentially roaming the streets again raises an unsettling question in the minds of many: How safe are we?
California law has specific guidelines about mental health treatment and defendants. If a person cannot be restored to competency in the span of two years, like Dimov, the case must be closed. With not enough beds available in secure facilities, these dangerous offenders could be released back into society, presenting a stark reality that causes many to look over their shoulders. It’s a situation that’s both ludicrous and frightening, leading to frustration and anger among victims’ families and law enforcement alike.
D.A. Spitzer has placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of the state’s leadership, particularly Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration. Spitzer argues that the inaction of the state has opened the door for what he describes as “the most dangerous get out of jail free card yet.” He is currently focusing all his energy on seeking extensions that would keep these offenders behind bars until a secure spot opens in a licensed facility. Yet as the days and weeks go by, the urgency grows. With the clock ticking and with danger on the horizon, it appears that California’s approach to mental health and crime could lead to a calamitous outcome for the community, leaving many to wonder just how they will keep their loved ones safe.
