Man who beheaded mother eyed for State Hospital release

By Oregon State Senator Daniel Bonham
District Newsletter,

Oregon State Hospital doctors have recently decided that Joshua Webb, a defendant who decapitated his mother, killed his dog and stabbed a store clerk is ready to leave the state hospital and move into a community-based care facility.

The headline alone made me hit pause. How can it not?

Our State Hospitals have struggled over the years. From court pressures to reduce stay time, to federal regulator pressures, a failed condom distribution program, to lawsuits over failed care — OSH is getting hit from all ends.

I can’t imagine how authorizing release of such a dangerous individual would help. A family member of one of the victims stated, “Due to the violent and horrific crimes committed on that day, I just don’t believe justice has been served. It’s a terrifying thought to think anyone capable of those actions on that day would be able to be released from any kind of custody.” The Clackamas County district attorney opposed the move. I wholeheartedly agree.

A five-member board appointed by the governor tentatively approved his release with a four month trial period with “transition visits”. They will meet again Oct. 9 to make their final decision.

What is terrifying about these decisions, is release considerations of dangerous individuals can happen any day in any county. We need to pay attention to these cases to ensure these dangerous criminals aren’t one day coming to a town near you.