Kenneth L. Curtis

Kenneth L. Curtis (born August 3, 1965) is a former college student from Connecticut who, on October 30, 1987, shot and killed his estranged girlfriend, then shot himself in the head, although he survived. He was charged criminally for the killing, but originally was found mentally incompetent to stand trial, and the criminal charge was dismissed.[1] Years later, he enrolled in college, and pursued studies as a pre-med student. He again was charged with the killing, found competent, and subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter.[2]

The case (Connecticut vs. Kenneth Curtis) changed the views in the justice system of mental competence to stand trial.[3] Prior to this case, those given such an assessment were viewed as not restorable, and charges would be dismissed in favor of periodic reviews used only in determining the need for a civil commitment.[4]

  1. ^ MacFarquhar, Neil (September 17, 1999). "Guilty Plea in '87 Killing; Case Altered Competency Laws". New York Times. Retrieved March 10, 2010.
  2. ^ "METRO NEWS BRIEFS: CONNECTICUT; Student Loses His Bid To Quash Murder Counts". The New York Times. August 26, 1998. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  3. ^ Neighbors, I.; National Organization of Forensic Social Work (2002). Social Work and the Law: Proceedings of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, 2000. Haworth Press. p. 15. ISBN 9780789015488. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  4. ^ Neighbors, I.; National Organization of Forensic Social Work (2002). Social Work and the Law: Proceedings of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, 2000. Haworth Press. p. 16. ISBN 9780789015488. Retrieved February 17, 2017.