> ## Judge rules against passes for schizophrenic

> Saloom institutionalized after killing psychiatrist
> Richard Burgess
> Posted on June 22, 2002

> LAFAYETTE - A paranoid schizophrenic who has been confined to a mental hospital for killing his psychiatrist in 1993 will not be allowed to take day trips outside the institution, a judge ruled Friday.
> Clarence J. Saloom Jr., 51, who said mind-controlling light rays forced him to act, was found innocent by reason of insanity in 1996 for stabbing Dr. Joseph Tyler to death.
> The doctor was preparing to commit Saloom, who has been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic with an anti-social personality disorder and substance abuse problems, to an institution.
> Defense attorney Thomas Guilbeau asked 15th Judicial District Judge John Trahan on Friday to allow Saloom day passes for supervised trips outside the hospital. The day passes, which Saloom's doctor says the man is ready for, could be the first step in his eventual release.
> The judge said Saloom may still be a danger to the public, even during short day trips with supervision.
> "I am blessed. God has answered our prayers," said Tyler's widow, Bobbie Tyler. "I still believe he is violent."
> An East Louisiana Mental Health System staff psychiatrist, Dr. Alan Newman, testified that Saloom has been a model patient for more than two years since being placed on a new antipsychotic medication.
> Newman said Saloom has been diligent in taking his medication, has not been a discipline problem, has taken substance abuse classes, works at a steady job at the hospital and is housed in the lowest security section of the institution.
> But state prosecutor Julie Cullen said Saloom has manipulated hospital workers and lied in an effort to convince doctors he is no longer a danger to society.
> She pointed to several instances in which Saloom had been released from a mental hospital in the past only to shortly return to a pattern of drug abuse and psychosis.
> "He talks a very good story," said Dr. James Blackburn, a psychiatrist who testified for Saloom at his trial but testified against him Friday. "He is just as obsessed with getting out of the hospital as he was the first year."
> Newman, a forensic psychiatrist, said he doubts Saloom has fooled him.
> "This is what we do. We deal with sociopaths and assess their dangers," he said.
> Guilbeau said he will appeal the judge's decision.
> theadvertiser.com is published by South Louisiana Publishing © 2002 - A Gannett Company 08/27/01