Posted on 09/09/2025 11:16:57 AM PDT by Morgana
An outraged Colorado sheriff was forced to let a 'dangerous' inmate back into the public due to a state law that requires criminals found incompetent to stand trial to be released from jail.
Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams issued a warning over the release of an inmate who is considered a 'potential danger to the community' on Monday.
Debisa Ephraim, 21, was given a legal 'get out of jail free card' and was released from the Weld County prison after he was found incompetent to stand trial in two of his criminal cases, according to the sheriff's office.
He was facing charges for attempted second-degree murder, assault, engaging in a riot, menacing and burglary.
Ephraim's release comes amid national fury after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was allegedly stabbed to death in North Carolina by a serial criminal who had been released from jail on a 'written promise' that he would return to court.
Videos shared by the Weld County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) allegedly showed Ephraim in two separate violent attacks.
'It is a very violent crime, and how rapidly this person has accumulated contacts with law enforcement is concerning,' Reams told CBS Colorado.
'He is a very dangerous person, and his actions, from what we can tell, were unprovoked.'
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Shouldn’t he go to a place for the criminally insane then? He needs to be put away from society.
Democrat run state what do you expect? Competents!!
If they are incompetent to stand trial then they belong in an institution.
For being mentally ill, he certainly understands how kicks to the head are necessary for is stock in criminal trade. I would want to know the back ground of the interviewer who declared him unable to assist in his criminal defense. Lastly, holes in the ground are made for such men.
Shoot, shovel, shutup.
In NM, if a defendant is found to be incompetent, then the issue of dangerousness is addressed and if he is found to be dangerous, than the issue of commitment is addressed.
Wonder what happened here with the question of dangerousness.
“Insane, but guilty” should be the verdict and would mean he goes to an insane asylum until court.
If ever getting out, he would be at the asylum until better—or dead.
I first heard this option in an old Quincy M.E. show.
Colorado isn’t the same as it was when I was growing up there. Back then (70s - early 80s) a dude like this would simply disappear. Cops would have “no clue” as to where he got off too. Some years down the line an Elk hunter or hiker might come across some bones and he’d be identified, but no one would have a clue as to how he got there.
“Shouldn’t he go to a place for the criminally insane then? He needs to be put away from society.”
I think you’re referring to what we in Florida call The Baker Act. Any of several government officials can certify someone for psychological evaluation. But whoever had him last is the one stuck with the bill for his care. And as the Leon County Sheriff said after an amazing crazy guy episode. Sure, we could have Baker Acted Him. But then we’re responsible to pay his care with no control over how much that is. Do you want patrols on the streets or one crazy guy locked up? There are also limitations. A friend’s wife was told by the hospital if she didn’t take her Baker Acted husband back “today” they’d “charge her with elder abuse.” I explained they couldn’t do that, and she managed to get him into a long term “recovery” hospital. But if he gets violent there, they’ll discharge him and that will mean either his wife picks him up or they throw him out the door.
“An outraged Colorado sheriff was forced to let a ‘dangerous’ inmate back into the public due to a state law that requires criminals found incompetent to stand trial to be released from jail”
Hell, anyone that kills an innocent person is mentally ill so why even bother to arrest him/her?
Today, the main job of the police is to protect Bad Guys from the Good Guys so that what you describe does not happen. Bad Guys are mostly protected by the system, and law-abiding Good Guys live in some degree of fear because they are not allowed to take out the trash. The rulers like it this way.
Quite a lot of mass murders, school shootings, senseless murders and other violent crimes have been done by schizophrenics and similar, mentally incompetent people.
I have seen some schizophrenics, and they often really cannot help themselves, so jail is probably not the best place to lock them up.
But, that does not mean they should be let roam free on the streets, until they kill somebody!
There should be (used to be) mental hospitals, where they could be locked up, for rest of their life, or until they get better!
I remember, some psychiatrists told me that he had to release, during Carter era, some psycho from VA hospital.
He tried to refuse, telling them, that if this guy gets off, he would kill his wife and children. They told him, No, you have to discharge him!
So he did, and, guess what, he killed his wife and children!
That stuff is often quite predictable!
They should set up everyone like this to live in the Governor’s home. The law would be reformed instantly.
C’mon Sheriff!
Find a creative way to skirt that state law. Something. Thanks for the warning, though. I guess.
Did they post photos, or does he get to remain incognito? I’m surprised they don’t invoke HIPPA or whatever it’s called. That has resulted in many deaths over the years.
CLM….. Crazy Life’s Matter……
Colorado ping.
My Granny used to love Quincy!
Here’s a clue…..if you wanted to get Federal authorities involved then the guy is here illegally. Pick up the phone.
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