Woman found insane in screwdriver attacks to continue outpatient treatment
A Rosemont woman found not guilty by reason of insanity of attacking two small children with a screwdriver was ordered Tuesday to continue psychiatric treatment as an outpatient.
Jessica Zander, 26, was “not subject to involuntary admission” in a state mental health facility, according to Dr. Ray Kim, a psychologist with Illinois' Department of Human Services who evaluated Zander before Tuesday's hearing.
Prosecutors say Zander attacked the children in a Hoffman Estates home on May 12, 2014. Their injuries were not serious and neither required hospitalization, police said at the time. Cook County Judge Bridget Hughes noted that in announcing her order.
“Not to mitigate the seriousness of the offense, but there was no medical treatment given to the victims ... but there was a serious threat of harm,” Hughes said.
Prosecutors asked Zander be treated as an inpatient, arguing she is a danger to society. Cook County assistant public defender Craig Rosenthal disagreed, saying his client has been receiving treatment for bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia for a year through the Kenneth Young Center, which is based in Elk Grove Village.
“We believe this is an appropriate sentence for her and society,” Rosenthal said.
Hughes ordered DHS to monitor Zander through Aug. 30, 2017, the longest date allowable by law.
“I hope you continue to take your medication and see your doctor,” said Hughes to Zander, who wore a striped shirt and her hair in a tidy bun.
“I wish you good luck,” Hughes said.