MAHONING COUNTY Prosecutors to question Giancola's psychiatrists

Annette Giancola was found innocent by reason of insanity in the drowning of her twins.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Annette Giancola's doctors say she is ready to leave a mental hospital on her own, but the Mahoning County prosecutor's office doesn't agree.
A hearing was scheduled for Tuesday in common pleas court, where Judge Robert Lisotto was to decide whether to accept a recommendation that Giancola be allowed to leave Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare System, Cleveland, without supervision.
The recommendation was made by doctors who are treating Giancola, said Linda Blum, a forensic monitor.
The hearing was canceled because Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Franken objected to the proposed change in Giancola's security status.
He's asked for another hearing, during which the doctors will be summoned to testify. A date for that hearing has not been set.
Giancola's attorney, Scott Cochran, did not oppose Franken's request for a more detailed hearing.
"We'll let the doctors testify," Cochran said. "They're the ones in the best position to know what her condition is."
Background: Giancola, 42, of St. Angela Place, Canfield, was found innocent by reason of insanity after she drowned her 31/2-year-old twins in their bathtub in March 1997. She has been in state psychiatric institutions since. Under Ohio law, her condition is evaluated every six months. She could eventually be released if doctors feel she has made enough progress. There are several levels of security to which psychiatric patients can be assigned before they are released.
In January, she was approved for a level of security that allows her to leave the hospital on pre-arranged trips with staff supervision. She can't return to Mahoning County, though, without Judge Lisotto's approval.
Blum said doctors are recommending now that she be allowed to leave the hospital for short, unsupervised trips. The next step would be a conditional release from the hospital to return home, she said.
bjackson@vindy.com