The attorney for Todd Walters on Wednesday filed a Motion for Diversion and Civil Commitment Pursuant to Mental Health Procedures & Request for Hearing. That’s a legal maneuver that could lead to Walters’ long-term commitment to mental health treatment, and – in theory – the ultimate dismissal of homicide charges against him.
The 38-year-old Walters is accused of the beating death of his 72-year-old mother, Ruth Shirey, at her home on Diamond Avenue in Indiana in February of 2015.
In January, President Judge William Martin ordered all court proceedings against Walters stayed and the case has been quiet since. Walters has gone through several mental health evaluations and in August of 2015, was ordered to undergo treatment at Torrance State Hospital. Last year, Judge Martin finally declared him fit to stand trial, but District Attorney Pat Dougherty said in January that more mental health issues have caused the case to stall again.
Under the procedure requested by his attorney, Walters’ mental state would be evaluated by an expert, and Judge Martin could order him into a diversion program, which would mandate mental health treatment based on whether Walters is a danger to himself or others or is unable to provide for his own health or safety. The judge could dismiss the case based on that committal.
