Judge commits Patrick Heltzel to state mental hospital

WARREN

Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court ruled Thursday that Patrick Heltzel is a mentally ill person who needs to be kept in a state mental hospital for at least the next six months and possibly the rest of his life.

Judge Logan found Heltzel, 23, of Atlantic Street, not guilty by reason of insanity June 1 in the April 4, 2013, death of Milton Grumbling III, 71, of Kincaid East Road in Warren Township. Heltzel choked and stabbed Grumbling, then beat him with a television remote control.

Judge Logan relied on a recent report from Dr. Thomas Gazley of the Forensic Psychiatric Center of Northeast Ohio in Austintown for the determination that Heltzel should be hospitalized.

Heltzel, 23, will be re-evaluated in another six months and presumably kept in the hospital after that, and evaluated every two years after.

“The court has considered the dangerousness of the defendant to self and others, the need for security and the type of crime involved,” the judge said, reading from his court entry.

“Based on the evidence presented, the court finds that the least restrictive commitment alternative available, consistent with public safety and the welfare of the defendant, is a commitment to Heartland Behavioral Healthcare.”

Read more about the case in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.