NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The family of Kenneth Beach — accused of murdering his friend Josue Chirino — spoke out, saying that the tragedy could have been avoided if the mental health system had provided the necessary intervention.
Beach's family says that he had been struggling with mental health challenges, and despite their efforts to seek assistance, the system fell short.
Beach's criminal history reveals that he was found not guilty by reason of insanity for an attempted murder charge in 2004. Following the court's decision, Beach underwent a 90-day treatment program. He was in a mandated outpatient treatment program, but only until 2011.
However, Dr. Caruso argues that Beach should have received more extended treatment.
"It's reasonable that they may have been restored or may have been restored to a state where they weren't dangerous, and were released, but then we have to have, you know, what's the follow up? What's the aftercare? You know, did they stop taking their meds or you know, sometimes the meds just stop working and the person may be taking them and they become resistant to the to their effects as well. "
The 39-year-old was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, and Depression, according to his family. They claim that Beach had been in a manic state for three months leading up to the tragic incident.
His wife took him to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Monday, where he spent the night. Subsequently, Beach's mother attempted to secure help at Centerstone on Wednesday.
However, because Beach asserted that he was not a danger to himself, the facility reportedly only scheduled a follow-up appointment for the next day.
On that same night, Beach shot and killed his friend Josue Chirino.
Beach's family is convinced that this could have been prevented if he had been admitted for immediate care.
Dr. Keith Caruso, an expert in mental health. The clinical psychiatrist says more resources need to be poured into mental health.
Dr. Caruso stresses the need for continued outpatient treatment. He believes if this was available there's a chance this murder could have been avoided.
"He might have been compliant with his treatment and might have had insight into his illness. But then the question is, in terms of what's the follow-up, what's the aftercare, and that may be that he was completed? It was a totally good decision to discharge him when he was discharged. But was he lost to follow up," Dr. Caruso said.
It is likely Beach will go through a mental health evaluation before he heads to court on the murder charge.
