Arizona State Hospital Releases Man Accused Of Killing Relatives, Family Appeals Decision: REPORT

 Arizona State Hospital released a man accused of murdering his own mother and 7-year-old niece in 1999, but his family and community are reportedly worried.

Rodney Aviles spent the majority of the last 24 years receiving mental health treatment, but his release has left his family and community fearing for their safety, ABC 15 reported. Aviles had reportedly never faced trial for the alleged crimes due to being deemed incompetent and not restorable on two separate occasions.

The family reportedly told the outlet Aviles committed the alleged murders hours after his previous release from psychiatric care.

“He’s got two murders under his belt,” Rodney’s brother Orlando Aviles told ABC 15. “It’s not anybody it’s his mother and his niece, that’s hard, it’s very difficult for us, and it’s dangerous.”  

Aviles was sent back to the hospital three separate times after brief periods of freedom, per the outlet.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) had attempted to prosecute Aviles, but each time he was found mentally unfit for trial, ABC 15 noted.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell wrote a letter to Attorney General Kris Mayes regarding a potential prosecution, according to ABC 15.

“From 2020-2021, MCAO has been reviewing this case to determine if it is possible to refile charges for a third time,” Mitchell wrote. 

“Unfortunately, based on the most current records received from [his sister], it does not appear that there is any significant change in Mr. Aviles’ condition that would support prosecution,” the letter continued.

CEO of Arizona State Hospital Michael Sheldon emphasized Aviles has not expressed any intentions to harm himself or others and has been cooperative with his prescribed medications, the outlet noted.

Aviles is expected to be admitted to a behavioral care facility, but several facilities refused to accept him in the past.