MAHONING COURT Killer of two is ready for release, psychiatrists say

The man has been in psychiatric care for more than 30 years.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Releasing Robert N. Williams from a psychiatric hospital is an unpopular gamble that authorities must take, an assistant Mahoning County prosecutor says.
"I realize we are taking a chance here," Assistant Prosecutor Jay Macejko said Thursday. "I pray that my judgment and the judgment of the medical professionals is right and that we don't end up back here."
He made his comments Thursday in common pleas court, where there was a hearing on whether Williams should be released from psychiatric care after more than 30 years.
Authorities say Williams, 54, walked into a Poland barbershop with a gun in 1971 and opened fire, killing the barber, Frank Listorti, and 12-year-old Bobby Kramer, who was a customer. Bobby's brother, Jerry, who was 13 at the time, also was shot but survived.
Hallucinating
Macejko said that Williams was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time and that he was hallucinating from mental illness. He said Williams thought he saw Listorti turn into a little boy.
"He thought if Listorti was able to do that, then he was probably responsible for [Williams'] problems," Macejko said, explaining the shooting.
Williams has been in various psychiatric facilities since the shooting and was found innocent by reason of insanity in 1978.
His treating psychiatrists, though, now say he has progressed to the point that he can be released from the hospital and allowed to live in a group home under supervised care. They have recommended that he be placed in the Burdman Group Home in Youngstown.
Families opposed
But relatives of Listorti and Kramer told Judge James C. Evans they don't believe Williams should be allowed back in the community because they feel he is still a threat to society.
"It is a very scary thought that he could walk among us in the local mall or grocery store, or that he could be sitting next to us in church," said Kim Marsico, Bobby and Jerry Kramers' sister.
Theresa Smerechansky, Listorti's daughter, said her family believes it has been failed by the justice system.
"It's not fair that he is being released today," she said.
Will be supervised
Macejko and Williams' attorney, Richard P. Kutuchief of Akron, said even if Williams is released from the hospital, there is no chance that he will freely among society again. They said he will always be under some sort of supervised care and will be under court supervision for the rest of his life.
Macejko said that because Williams has been successfully treated and because two teams of experts have recommended his release, the judge is essentially bound by law to approve the request. Judge Evans said he will study the forensic reports and make a decision later.
Forensic monitor Linda Blum of Turning Point Counseling Services said if Williams is released, someone will constantly monitor him to ensure that he takes required medications.
"The No. 1 goal is public safety. Second is his rights," Blum said.
bjackson@vindy.com