from what I have read he never met the standard of being a “threat to himself or others” to the point of being involuntary committed. Certain key phrases must be used and confirmed
Even if he had confessed to being suicidal or having murderous delusions it might have earned him 3 days of inpatient observation (cash upfront please)
but this kid knew the standard and was adept at hiding his inner urges and agenda, appearing pleasant and polite and cooperative when the police came knocking
That he snookered so many therapists over so many years is less palatable and I believe there was medical malpractice there
Maybe because of all the flakes in California you actually have to attempt to kill yourself or others to be considered a threat. But here in Florida, family members who fear a person is a danger can go to court and have them committed for evaluation. Those YouTube videos would have gone a long way in getting him removed from the general public.