Gov. Fallin Signs Bill That Closes Controversial Loophole

The worst day of Jeana West’s life was the day she found out her son had been murdered. The second worst day happened a few weeks later when she learned her son’s killer could be freed on a technicality. 

"Yes. That was…I was extremely angry. Extremely angry,” recalled West.

In December 2012, Jerrod Murray admitted in a chilling confession to killing West’s son, 18-year old college student Generro Sanchez simply because Murray wanted to know what it felt like to kill someone.

2/17/16 Related Story: Authorities Release Jerrod Murray Murder Confession Video 

“He was found by doctors in court not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to Vinita for, we thought, forever,” said Pottawatomie County District Attorney Richard Smothermon. “38 days later, a doctor sent a report to my court saying he was no longer a danger to society and he ought to be released.”

Thursday, September 15, in a ceremonial signing the governor passed a bill to close that loophole. It targets just those with anti-social personality disorder.

"The really dangerous criminals that will never with any treatment ever get better,” said Smothermon, “They're always going to be a danger. Those people are targeted by this bill so that if they are found to have that condition and found with a mental illness then they are found guilty but with metal defect"

The convict would then go straight to prison; not a mental hospital, to serve their sentence.

West said she knows her son is looking down on her and smiling. "That’s what I’m hopeful for. I hope that he's proud."