Quick Cure for a Killer

There was no doubt that in April 1965, in San Antonio, Raymond Sledge shotgunned his ex-wife and her husband to death in front of witnesses. The jury's only problem was to decide whether he was sane or insane. Two psychiatrist witnesses, Dr. Alfred Hill and Dr. James Paul McNeil!, agreed that he was in a paranoid state, that he had been and still was insane. Dr. Hill said that he was not treatable, was potentially dangerous, and "should not be permitted to have freedom again in his adult life." Dr. McNeill warned that under treatment. Sledge would appear to improve, but "even with therapy over a period of time the true cause would not be eradicated." The jury was impressed. Sledge was found insane and committed to Rusk State Hospital for what seemed certain to be the rest of his life.

That was 19 months ago. Last week Sledge was free. His attorneys had asked for a new sanity hearing, and in August Dr. Hill ignored his previous opinion and testified that Sledge "is, today, not a potentially dangerous criminal." The hearing ended with a hung jury, and another was held this month. At that one. Dr. McNeill also changed his mind. Forgetting his warning, he stated that Sledge was now of sound mind and sane. No contradictory testimony was offered by any state witnesses, and the jury had little choice but to free the killer. Sane enough at least not to push his luck, Sledge immediately left the state.

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