Complications in the Case of Henry Cozad

Back in March, 18-year-old Henry Cozad was charged with murder in the death of 59-year-old Linda Foley, who was the girlfriend of his father, Ted Cozad. As reported in yesterday's Seattle Times, Coos County Circuit Judge Martin Stone has ruled that Henry Cozad kiled Foley. Saying that Cozad is a "'danger to others,'" Stone also put him into the custody of the state Department of Human Services and is having him placed in a group home in Salem. Neither of Cozad's parents, Ted Cozad and Devita Cozad, are "willing to accept he is capable of such an act," according to the judge; both parents are said to be "angry with the decision."

The Seattle Times notes some additional details that complicate an already sad and difficult case:

Defense attorneys Carole Hamilton and John Meynink had argued the district attorney did not have enough clear evidence to support the commitment. They also contended Cozad should be returned home.

But the judge said witness testimony of the teen's poor hygiene, of squalor in the Cozad house, and photos he reviewed of the teenager's urine-stained mattress were also proof he shouldn't be sent home.

Devita Cozad testified she had cleaned the home with the help of Fred, had made multiple renovations to the interior and yard, and had replaced their son's mattress. But she said when she began cleaning up the place, it had made her sick.

The court also heard from Dr. Jason Quiring, a neuropsychologist who saw Cozad at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem.

Quiring recommended the teenager be placed in a secure facility after determining Cozad is mentally disabled with an IQ estimated at 40. He does not suffer from autism, as reported early in the case.

Coos County District Attorney R. Paul Frasier argued Devita Cozad failed to present a clear plan to deal with any possible outbursts by her son.

Henry Cozad was earlier said to have "severe autism"; the change in his (reported) diagnosis is not clarified. Ted Cozad is also facing a "charge of criminal mistreatment relating to the conditions his son lived in for the year up to March 12 the day Foley died."

I really don't know enough about the details of this case which only seems sadder the more I read about it. What could have been done earlier to help Henry Cozad's parents care for him?