Reynolds v. State & Department of Children and Families
Reynolds, found not guilty by reason of insanity for murdering his wife, sought habeas relief from his involuntary commitment to DCF, arguing he should be released or placed in outpatient treatment. The Fifth DCA denied the petition, holding that competent substantial evidence—including expert testimony that Reynolds would become manifestly dangerous without the structure and medication compliance provided in custody—supported the trial court's finding that he remains mentally ill and manifestly dangerous under §916.15(2).
Key facts
- Reynolds was found not guilty by reason of insanity for murdering his wife and was involuntarily committed to the Department of Children and Families.
- Reynolds petitioned for habeas relief seeking either release or placement in outpatient treatment, arguing he no longer posed a danger.
- +2 more key facts with a free trial
Why it matters
This opinion provides a useful, relatively rare appellate discussion of the standard for involuntary commitment of insanity acquittees under §916.15(2), clarifying that a defendant's stability attributable to a… — full analysis with a trial
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