By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The chances of Joshua Vance walking free if he’s found not guilty by reason of insanity?
Very unlikely, according to his lawyer.
Joshua Vance / File photo
Vance, 25, is charged with murder after allegedly using a knife to attack his sleeping father, 58-year-old Terry Vance this past spring in their Onalaska home.
He’s been held in the Lewis County Jail on $1 million bail since his arrest while attorneys on both sides move the case through the criminal justice system.
His family says he was being treated for mental health issues at Cascade Mental Health in Chehalis and had gone off his medication because he couldn’t afford it.
Deputies were summoned early the morning of March 7 to the home on the 400 block of Pennel Avenue by a 911 call from Vance who said he’d just killed his father.
According to charging documents, he told a deputy he was going to kill everyone else on the property, but he couldn’t because he cut his hand. He told an arriving firefighter he cut his fingers to make himself stop.
Charging documents say Vance stabbed his father at least 11 times and cut his throat.
The sheriff’s office had no explanation as to why he did it.
The Centralia College student pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in early May. A hearing is scheduled before a judge in late September to hear from psychologists on both sides.
“A judge will decide if we’ve met our burden,” defense attorney David Arcuri said after a brief hearing today in Lewis County Superior Court.
Vance, who was brought up from the jail, sat quietly next to his lawyer this afternoon. He wasn’t asked to speak during the session before Judge Nelson Hunt.
He has been found competent to stand trial by professionals at Western State Hospital, but whether he suffers from a mental disease such that he could not comprehend his act, or even if he could understand, could not conform his behavior are separate questions to be addressed, according to Arcuri.
A doctor for the defense found that because of Vance’s acute mental illness at the time of the alleged incident, he was unable to appreciate the nature and quality of his conduct.
A subsequent evaluation was done by a doctor hired for the prosecution. Neither side would say today what that expert concluded. The report is not required to be added to the court file.
Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher would only say he is taking it “one step at a time.”
According to the report from Western State’s previous contact with Vance, he has been hospitalized in the past for command hallucinations to kill himself and harm others. He also has been treated for substance induced hallucinations, according to the report.
His diagnosis’s in the state doctors’ report included psychotic disorder, major depression, amphetamine dependence and alcohol abuse.
According to Arcuri, if the judge finds his client is not guilty by reason of insanity, there would be more questions for the judge to answer.
For example, according to Arcuri, how much of a danger does Vance present and should he be released with certain conditions, or should he be held at Western State Hospital.
Neither Arcuri nor Meagher indicated today it’s likely Vance could simply walk free.
A commitment to the state mental hospital with this type of plea can be as long as the top sentence for the crime charged. He is charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder. The maximum penalty is life.
Alternatively, if the judge isn’t convinced Vance is not guilty by reason of insanity, the next step is presenting that defense to a jury, according to Arcuri.
A trial is still on the calendar for the week of Oct. 22.
The day long hearing for the judge to hear from both psychologists is set for 9 a.m. on Sept. 26.
•••
For background, read:
• “Onalaskan’s insanity plea in alleged murder of father bolstered by mental exam” from Wednesday July 11, 2012, here
• “Onalaska man pleads insanity in father’s fatal stabbing” from Tuesday May 8, 2012, here
• “Murder suspect: “When he was good, he was such a good young man”” from Friday March 9, 2012, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
The way that I’ve read the history, this guy has had a history of mind-altering drugs, starting at the time he was very young. Perhaps a case of his body couldn’t function without something in his system? Isn’t that what did the nirvana band leader in – his body couldn’t function without chemical aids?
Also, I do believe that some people are more prone to additions that others – doesn’t make their actions right, but just more cause for them to be aware of their bodies.
Plus, there is the issue of drugging “hyper” kids with medicines, then realizing that as adults they still need meds to function. Sad cycle that was created.
No matter what, we’ve all read about these guys that did a very bad thing while on drugs (or off) and are now claiming that they shouldn’t be held responsible for it. Yet while we argue their case on internet forums, their families are missing loved ones or little girls are constantly looking over their shoulders. And there will always be someone to protect the abuser, saying “he’s really a good guy” or “mental issues are real”.
“Fluoride is the cause of all the problems the world faces today…”
I guess we all had better stop using toothpaste, too. After all, isn’t the fluoride in that just another government conspiracy to control the population? And it’s probably all lies that fluoridating the water supply helps reduce tooth decay by fairly large percentages, right?
This is a case having not one thing to do with whether or not this person drank fluoridated water as a child (Perhaps they are on a well? Perhaps the water is NATURALLY fluoridated? If so, then who is responsible for that, huh?), but is a case of someone in dire need of medication, and could not afford that medication. And none of that medication was based on fluoride.
Coffee..cause cancer. Diet soda..causes cancer. Water..well U know what the public water does. Beef..causes heart distress. Sugar causes Diabetes….Seriously. What does everyone eat. ? That is what I mean about 75% of what we consume is not safe. Even ORGANIC foods aren’t safe. Look it all up. There is something wrong with just about everything we consume if you want to get picky about it.
Does this have anything to do with the above article? NO! And That irritates me!
@ K94me: I do have kids & they’re actually very successful young adults. I come here to read comments related to the News story. I feel that 1 comment from “Centralia needs help” about Fluoride poisoning is enough. I get it, I believe it. But I’m tired of reading 5-10 comments about it on EVERY SINGLE NEWS article that someone posts a comment. Buy some space in the Daily Comicle or go stand on the street corner with a Sign. I am not uneducated or uniformed by the way. This is Nothing New. That might be part of my irritation. This was discovered in the early 80’s. Possibly late 70’s. Should I go on EVERY news story and post several times about the Pollution coming from the TransAlta plant..on & on & on.? After a while, it’s annoying. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Get a petition, pass a law. But blasting a local online news page isn’t doing a whole lot here. Oh and for those of you who don’t like my comment about dying. Please tell me your secret of Living Forever.
Thanks K94me, I’m glad someone out there knows the facts about the truth. Fluoride is a deadly Neuro Toxin and causes brain damage….If you don’t research it and do something about it, then you must like being assaulted by your Local city Government.
Once again for all of you Fluoride Heads out there that like to brush your teeth with Poison, Go ahead and keep it up the Government Likes Docile Sheeple.
Morning Coffe I see you like to attack people’s spelling I hope this makes you feel Better. DEER 1, TRUCK 0
• A 30-year-old driver escaped injury when he totaled his 1990 Ford Ranger after he served to miss a deer on the 300 block of Henriott Road near Toledo yesterday. A deputy called about 10:30 a.m. found the truck grazed a telephone pole and went into a ditch, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
Did you see the Typo? Served is supposed to be Swere. Maybe you should tell Sharyon how to spell and what to do also.
Egad!
Just because you print it does not make it so. No such links were ever established.
Before you all dismiss the information just because someone is a little eccentric in how she offers it, maybe you should actually look into it. You’re probably not aware of the huge amount of brain tumors found in kids in Onalaska in the 90’s or the huge amount of thyroid problems in the kids who grew up in Mossyrock in the 70’s and 80’s. All have been linked to the large amount of fluoride put into the water. @amazed: I sincerely hope that with your attitude you don’t have kids and never do have them. Just because we’re all going to die doesn’t mean that we are not entitled to live the best life possible and if you are a mother and you feed, or allow someone to inject your children with 75% chemicals you are not a good mother.
Here are the Facts about Antidepressents and Fluorine based Drugs http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/25/legal-system-rules-antidepressants-cause-kids-to-kill.aspx
Educate your self before you try to attack my spelling. I’m sounding the Alarm just like Paul Revere.. But you people never even go to the links I provide. You just spout of with disinformation… Read the facts spend more than 5 miniuntes researching Fluoride based products…Here’s another link that shows Fluoride based antidepressents kill and cause murders http://www.ageofautism.com/2012/04/the-kill-pill-malaria-mefloquine-and-the-armys-nightmare-drug.html But I’m sure most of you will never research these facts and just label me as a nut… Go ahead and Brush them teeth with Toxic Waste, Your Government cares about your teeth so much that they want to add a product that was only labeled as Rat Poison in the 1900’s to your water…….The Joke is on you if you do not educate yourselves……Fluorine Based Drugs caused this mans mental problems…
Morning Coffe is working for the spelling police these days. The facts are Fluoride and Fluoride based drugs cause mental problems. But I’m sure your being fed main line Dis information from the television you watch daily.. I have researched the facts and the fact are clear Fluorine based drugs cause brain damage.. Reseach it before you spout off with your lack of knowledge. Your just the type of sheep the government likes… The Docile one’s
Amazed, so being abused by the city officials adding Fluoride to the water is Ok with you just because were all going to die someday is a good reason to add poison to the water… Your just the type of Person the New World Order Likes. Uninformed and uneducated.. Just Like Vietnam the Government sprayed Agent Orange on the troops and told the World it was safe. Well the facts are in the Troops are dead and dying from Agent Orange exposure…….. But I’m sure you have Jersey Shore or CNN to watch at home. Enjoy the Flicker rate while you watch TV and Sip on the Government Fluoride and get your Vaccinations along with your GMO fruits and Vegtables. while you eat your Fluorine gased Bannanas…. Fluoride is a Drug and causes brain Damage….Public disclose the information you will see the Skull and Bones on the Bags… Enjoy the water and Enjoy The Eli Lilly Prozac that causes Suicide and severe deprsssion…Enjoys the facts
Time2Change did you even bother to check out the link I provided? The proof I need is very clear, Go to the link, unless ADD has set in already..Or check out Fluoridealert.org Research is power.
@ Sunshinegirl: I do not know this family either. This is such a sad case. This young man Killed his own father, and yes from the info that I have gathered (including family comments)he does indeed have Mental problems. I don’t think he belongs in Prison he belongs in Western State Mental Hospital. I have worked several years with mental patients from the slight to the ones that get sent to Western State. So, I ask you this: Where was Washington States Moral & Legal obligation to protect his Father? Medication for nearly All Mental health issues are way beyond Expensive. You have NO idea how many ppl are walking around Lewis county without their meds..in the exact same mental state he was in when he committed that deadly act. Personally, the state should be held responsible..they did nothing to prevent this. Don’t hold them responsible Only after the fact!
@Centralia Needs Help….get off the Fluoride kick..it’s getting annoying. There are chemicals in probably 75% or more of what we eat, drink & breathe. We are all going to die sometime.
@centralia needs help – by your theory, then, every human in all cities in America (almost all use fluoride) are mentally ill? Got proof?
@sunshinegirl – perhaps this tragedy would never have happened if we had any sort of decent mental health care or adult family homes available for mentally ill in this county. The meds he stopped taking cost $1,000 per month – not covered by most insurance and most young, single men do not receive DSHS medical coupons. Delusions are not real – but to the mentally ill, they ARE. It is not conscious thought, mental illness is the brain sending entirely WRONG information… the person acts out on this information, in an appropriate manner (if the delusion was reality, which it is not). Mentally ill are not evil. They are sick, and can be treated – if we make those medications a PRIORITY.
“Folks, Fluoride causes mental problems, it’s in Anti-depressants and the Centralia public water supply….”
In all seriousness folks, this is an excellent example of the problem that is discussed in this article. Here on line, like at Onalaska, we have someone who has lost touch with what is real and what is an illusion. Our stupid laws prevent this person from getting mandatory help until they do something dangerous to themselves or someone else. Until then, they will continue to slide down the path into deeper schizophrenia while we can only stand back and watch, and that’s a very sad waste of human life. Were they to get help sooner than later they could at least have a chance at a normal life. Without that mandatory commitment we will have to wait until they themselves make the news with the same old comment from the neighbors. “Yea he / she was a little on the strange side, but I never thought they would do something violent.”
Oh, good God “CentraliaNeedsHelp” — take a freakin’ chill pill yourself. Believe what you wish, but please spare us your drama. Your time would be better spent learning proper written language and improving your spelling skills.
Fluorine poisoning can result in “neurological damage”, including headaches, tremors, spasms, tetanic contractions, hyperactive reflexes, seizures, and killing family members. Ultimately, it causes teratogenic disorders—birth defects of the worst sort.
Folks, Fluoride causes mental problems, it’s in Anti-depressants and the Centralia public water supply. But I’m sure you have never researched the facts because your to busy on Face-Book or watching the Dis-Information Television propaganda tool at home and you think you can trust your dentist. Here’s a link to the truth I provided about the effects of Fluoride. http://www.gaia-health.com/articles351/000365-fluorine-poison-rampant-pharmaceuticals.shtml
Remember Vietnam the Government sprayed Agent Orange on the American Troops for ten years and lied to the World saying it was perfectly safe. Our enviroment loaded with harmful chemicals has devistating affects on a small percentage of the population. This person is just another example of what Physco-Tropic drugs can do. In fact look at all of the shooting going on inside the Army. The soilders that commit mass murders are always on Fluoride based mind altering drugs.. But I’m sure you would rather just write me off as another Loon that is totaly wrong and crazy themselves….Not Researching the Facts is Crazy… Go ahead and keep drinking that fresh Centralia Fluoridated water.. This guy has a case, he is crazy, anybody that drinks Fluoridated water and uses fluoridated toothpaste has mental damage, I’m Feel very sorry for all of the people that are on the Government’s poison. Fluoride will kill you and cause you mental Disease’s. Here’s the Harvard Study about Fluoride http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/health-care/item/12250-fluoride-lowers-iq-in-kids-new-study-shows Did I mention it also causes “ADD” some most people that are reading this will not even have the attention span to research the Facts,,, Keep drinking the Government’s Kool Aid.. Big Brother Say’s it’s good for you.
I did not know this young mans father and I do not wish to sound harsh but if he would kill his own father he should be locked up . Especially if he had the presence of mind to confess to wanting to kill every one on the property. This is his family , please lock him up and keep him that way !!! Even if he is sick and on some level it is hard to believe he is not , but evil can be cunning also. Either way the state of Washington has a moral and legal obligation to protect the rest of us . He wanted to kill his own family. If he is set free what chance do the rest of us have ????