NY’s broken mental health laws let 14-year-old’s deranged alleged killer slip through cracks despite ‘all kinds of red flags’
“I think it’s tragic that we’re in a situation where individuals with severe mental illness are not getting the treatment they need and are instead getting caught up in the criminal justice system,” Brackley said.
“It’s clear that there are gaps in the system that need to be addressed to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.”
As Mejia sits in a psychiatric facility, awaiting his day in court, the debate over New York’s involuntary commitment laws rages on. Politicians, lawyers, and advocates are calling for change to prevent individuals like Mejia from falling through the cracks and causing harm to others.
For the family of Caleb Rijos, the pain of his senseless death remains. They mourn the loss of a beloved son, brother, and friend, taken too soon by a man who should have been receiving the mental health care he so desperately needed.
As New York City grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the hope is that meaningful reform will be enacted to ensure that individuals with severe mental illness receive the treatment and support they need before it’s too late.
Until then, the memory of Caleb Rijos will live on as a reminder of the devastating consequences of a broken system that failed to protect him.
The tragic case of Mejia and Rijos has raised questions about the handling of individuals with mental health issues within the judicial system. Mejia, who allegedly stabbed Rijos to death, was reportedly suffering from pre-existing psychological issues that may have been overlooked in previous cases. This has sparked concerns about the need for mandatory psych exams for individuals with a history of mental health issues.
Attorney Brackley pointed out that Mejia’s inability to take care of himself and the lack of proper medication indicate a failure in the system to address his mental health needs. The bail reforms in New York further complicated the situation, as they limited the judge’s ability to consider Mejia’s potential dangerousness and eligibility for bail. This could have potentially led to a mental competency exam and subsequent commitment for Mejia, instead of his release back into the public.
The devastating consequences of Mejia’s release were seen when he allegedly attacked a straphanger in a train station and later stabbed Rijos to death. Rijos’ father, devastated by the loss of his son, has been described as a broken man who rarely speaks and is visibly distressed. The community has come together to support the grieving family, setting up memorials and calling for justice for Rijos.
Neighbors and friends of the Rijos family have expressed their shock and anger over the senseless tragedy. They believe that more proactive measures should have been taken to prevent such a horrific incident from occurring. The community has rallied around the family, offering their support and demanding accountability for Mejia’s actions.
As the investigation into Rijos’ death continues, the community remains united in their grief and determination to seek justice for the young victim. The memorial set up in Rijos’ honor serves as a reminder of the impact of mental illness on individuals and the need for better support and intervention for those struggling with mental health issues.
