Breaking Stigma of Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System

Dr. Carole's Couch

Today, a Michigan jury found school shooter Ethan Crumbley's mom, Jennifer Crumbley, guilty of 4 counts of involuntary manslaughter - a groundbreaking verdict! This is yet another way in which mental illness is interconnecting with the Criminal Justice System. Ethan, suffering from mental illness, begged his parents for psychiatric help for years - but they were too busy with their own pursuits to hear his cries. As a result, 4 students are dead and others injured. Fortunately, the jury got it right and found her guilty! But, it's probably too late to save Ethan from life behind bars. Today's guest, attorney Elizabeth Kelley, is a one-woman fighter on behalf of the rights of the mentally ill. Mental illness is not a crime, but too often, the mentally ill end up behind bars because they didn't get the help they needed and deserved.