Husband ordered committed for 60 years in wife's killing
Earlier this year, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Kay Hanlon found Albert Rumlow not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2008 death of his wife Janet at the couple's Palatine home.
Hanlon remanded the 74-year-old to the Department of Human Services for evaluation to determine if he requires inpatient treatment. On Thursday, with the state evaluation complete, Hanlon set Rumlow's term of commitment at 60 years.
If psychiatrists determine that his condition has improved sufficiently, Rumlow can petition the court for expanded privileges, including unsupervised off-site visits and eventually an unconditional discharge, though experts say that happens only rarely.
For a patient found not guilty by reason of insanity who needs mental health treatment, the court can set a commitment period of no more than the maximum potential prison sentence in the case. In Rumlow's case, the maximum sentence would have been 60 years.
In a report to the court proffered by Cook County assistant state's attorney Mike Andre, psychiatrist Dr. Hasina Javed indicated that Rumlow - who was diagnosed with a major depressive disorder following the December 2008 stabbing death of his wife - requires inpatient treatment.
Javed indicated that Rumlow has been cooperative and has adjusted to medication and life at the Elgin Mental Health Center. However, the report also notes that Rumlow has "not achieved full acceptance of his mental illness and lacks understanding regarding the chronic nature of his illness and the importance of treatment and medication to his recovery," Andre said.
Additionally, Rumlow has not had a significant period of remission, nor does he have a feasible plan to monitor his illness upon release, Andre said.
Rumlow received credit for the 475 days he has spent in custody since his arrest.
Rumlow's attorney, Thomas J. Tyrrell, told the court he has visited his client and that he is "making significant progress in every aspect."
"He is fortunate to have the love and support of his family, neighbors and friends, which is aiding him in his recovery," Tyrrell said.