Oklahoma County DA refiles charges against three defendants released from mental health facilities

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma County District Attorney has refiled charges against three men who were previously charged with first degree murder then deemed incompetent to stand trial, following their release from inpatient mental health facilities.

John Paul Washington, Fred Hardeman and Daniel Green all had their charges dismissed after being found incompetent, and were sent to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for treatment.

Washington faces one count of first degree murder and one count of first degree rape, Hardeman faces one count of first degree murder, and Green faces four counts of first degree murder.

“These are very dangerous men with significant mental health conditions,” said Vicki
Zemp Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney. “They cannot be released back to
society for the safety of our community. When notified by ODMHSAS that Washington,
Hardeman and Green were restored and set to be released from involuntary commitment,
we immediately refiled charges and warrants for their arrest were issued. Due to the
danger they pose to society, each defendant will be transferred from their current
treatment facility directly to the Oklahoma County Detention Center.”

According to the DA’s Office, the mental health statute in Oklahoma says that once ODMHSAS determines a defendant is ready to be discharged, the District Attorney will refile charges because of their threat to society.

Charges were refiled by the DA’s Office on July 15. Bond has been set at $10,000,000 for each of the three defendants.

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