A Shocking Release
Elbony Weatherspoon was stunned when she received a call informing her that Michael Thibodeau, a man with a violent history and mental instability, was about to be released from the Rutherford County Jail. Just days earlier, Thibodeau had barricaded himself in her home, threatening her with a gun. Weatherspoon, now living with friends, fears encountering Thibodeau in public.
Administrative oversight
Prosecutors had assured Weatherspoon that Thibodeau, found mentally incompetent to stand trial for the incident at her home, would serve the appropriate jail time. Despite spending 228 days in jail, a paperwork error led to Thibodeau’s release. District Attorney Jennings Jones, who was out due to illness, apologized for the oversight, explaining it as a rare administrative mistake.
A history of violence and mental illness
Thibodeau’s history of mental instability dates back to 2009, when he was diagnosed as manic bipolar. After a brief relationship with Weatherspoon, he displayed alarming behavior, culminating in multiple confrontations with the police and an eventual armed standoff at her home. He was charged with vandalism, reckless endangerment, and aggravated domestic assault, among other offenses.
Jones highlighted flaws in the criminal justice system, noting that Thibodeau was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial for some charges but competent for others committed while in custody. This discrepancy led to a plea deal misinterpretation, resulting in Thibodeau’s premature release.
Uncertain future
Now on state-supervised probation, Thibodeau must report regularly to a probation officer but isn’t required to continue mental health treatment. Jones expressed concern about the potential danger if Thibodeau does not remain on medication, acknowledging the public’s fear and the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents.
“If you had an opportunity to speak to Weatherspoon right now, what would you say?” Jones was asked. “I would tell her that I apologize, and my office apologizes for the fact that the plea did not go as we had discussed with her,” Jones replied, promising to ensure such a mistake does not happen again. Thibodeau is prohibited from contacting Weatherspoon, and legal experts are exploring ways to rectify the situation and enforce the original agreement.