Man in mental hospital seeks more freedom

WARREN -- A man found innocent of murder by reason of insanity is seeking more freedom at the mental hospital where he lives.
At a brief hearing Wednesday, James A. Hubbard's attorney, Tony Consoldane of the state public defender's office, told Judge W. Wyatt McKay of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court that the 38-year-old man should now be allowed to walk outside on the institution grounds without a guard.
Hubbard is confined at the Heartland Behavior Health Center, formerly known as Massillon Psychiatric Hospital.
The judge is expected to issue a ruling on the matter in the next few days.
Hubbard has been in mental hospitals since May 1993 when a three-judge panel found him innocent by reason of insanity in the Sept. 12, 1991, shooting death of Sallie Beatty, 21, of Niles, and the attempted murder of Lori Kirkwood, 25, of Austintown.
Every two years the court reviews Hubbard's mental status and decides if any changes in his care should be made.