The state of California released hundreds of pages of psychological reports and other files concerning the case of Edward Allaway, a former California State University/Fullerton janitor who killed seven people at the university’s library on July 12, 1976. Allaway, who has been in state mental hospitals since he was found not guilty of the murders by reason of insanity, is petitioning for release from forcible hospitalization.
The files, opened at the request of the Los Angeles Times, indicate Allaway suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, though he says he has learned to recognize its symptoms and would seek help if they returned. In a transcript of an interview with psychologist Martha L. Rogers, Allaway said of the shooting, “I was not really there. It was severe mental illness. I doubt I would get to that stage [again] because I would recognize the problem.” Rogers described him in the June 5 Times as “open” and “completely cooperative in every way.”
Other doctors are skeptical, saying that it is highly unusual for Allaway’s type of illness to go into remission. Deputy District Attorney Daniel Wagner said, “He’s still mentally ill and dangerous.” Some in the Orange County community oppose Allaway’s release as well, arguing that he has not paid his debt to society. A hearing is scheduled for September.
Posted June 11, 2001.