1971 DOUBLE MURDER Accused is released to live in group home

Robert Williams can't go back to Poland or near the victims' families.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A man accused in a 1971 double murder has been granted conditional release from a state psychiatric hospital and will soon be living in a group home here.
But Robert N. Williams is forbidden from returning to Poland, where he gunned down 50-year-old Frank Listorti and 12-year-old Bobby Kramer in Listorti's barbershop in 1971. Bobby's brother, Jerry, also was shot that day but survived. He was 13 at the time.
Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court placed a long list of other restrictions on Williams, who has been in psychiatric care for more than 30 years.
"There was just nothing there for us to challenge this release," said Atty. Jay Macejko, an assistant county prosecutor. "I hope we weren't wrong."
Williams, 54, has been in various psychiatric facilities since the shootings. In 1978, he was found innocent of the shootings by reason of insanity.
Authorities say that with treatment, Williams has progressed over the years to the point that he should be released from state care and allowed to live in a group home. A hearing on the matter was last week and Judge Evans made his ruling this week.
Restrictions
Under terms of his conditional release, Williams will live at the Burdman Group Home in Youngstown, where he will be under constant care of a psychiatrist, clinical supervisor, nurse and case manager. He must take all prescribed medications and is not allowed to have any alcohol, illegal drugs or weapons.
If he complies with terms of his conditional release, Williams might eventually be granted personal passes to leave the group home.
But Judge Evans said Williams cannot go to Poland Village or Poland Township, and is to have no contact with the victims' families.
If Williams' mental health deteriorates to the point that he becomes a threat to himself or the community, he could be sent back to a psychiatric hospital or a stabilization facility, the judge said.
A hearing will be in three months to review the case and Williams' status.
bjackson@vindy.com