Lawyer: Experts say man who beheaded son ready for release

  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

A lawyer in Virginia Beach, Virginia said experts believe her client is ready to be released from a Virginia psychiatric hospital where he was sent after decapitating his 5-year-old son and saying he was trying to save the boy from the Antichrist.

Joseph Henry Hagerman III's attorney Annette Miller told The Virginian-Pilot a forensics review panel at Williamsburg's Eastern State Hospital recently recommended Hagerman for conditional release.

Hagerman, who admitted to the slaying, was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2009. The Virginia Beach man was also accused of slashing his wife, who was injured while trying to save the child.

Prosecutors oppose Hagerman's release and say they will ask for an independent evaluation before a decision is made. The case is being reviewed in court.

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

{{ articles_remaining }}
Free {{ article_text }} Remaining
{{ articles_remaining }}
Free {{ article_text }} Remaining Article limit resets on
{{ count_down }}