I WISH I were writing reasons why Mark Alan Austin should not be released from prison. But he is not in prison. He is out, walking around, employed, and according to his psychiatrist, "Sleeping well, pursuing a regular program of physical exercise and an appropriate social life."
A jury found him "not responsible by reason of insanity." It was deemed a brief, "temporary insanity"--just long enough to kill my child.
On April 11, 1995, six years will have passed since I saw her smile--hugged her skinny little shoulders--kissed her soft, freckled cheek--or heard her say "Ma" in that tone of voice so uniquely Laura's. God, I miss her so.
Now there will be a hearing to remove the few remaining conditions of Mark's "conditional release." This would allow him to possess weapons and remove requirements to receive psychiatric counseling. Many persons, friends of Mark, will attest to his fine character. Honest, trustworthy, thoughtful, caring. A fine young man. I used to think so too.
Mark and I were close. When he and Laura separated, he spent a great deal of time at my home. His depression and escalating anger were quite apparent. Many times I urged him to seek counseling. He never did. I remember Mark telling me that he and Laura were going on a hike to Pima Canyon and would be discussing their situation. That night I awoke suddenly in a cold sweat. Mark could hurt Laura. He was so much bigger and karate trained. If he lost his temper he could seriously injure her.
When I saw Mark the next day, I suggested that any discussions they have be in a public place as I was afraid what might happen if he lost his temper. I will never, ever, forget his reply. "Not to worry Barb. I would never hurt Laura." I believed him.
Now Mark assures us all he would never hurt anyone. He cherishes life. He has gained much insight. He has learned from his mistakes. Please don't believe him. Mark Alan Austin has proven with absolute certainty he is dangerous. He can kill, and who is to say he will not kill again?
Mark was raised in a caring, loving family. He received advantages not available to many. One of these was karate lessons. Included in these lessons was training normally only available to Navy Seals--how to kill quickly and quietly with a knife. Mark was a good martial arts student. He achieved Black Belt status and practiced the knife killing technique. In fact, he practiced so much that, according to trial testimony, on the night of April 11, 1989, when he allegedly experienced his brief, momentary insanity, he killed by "instinct."
Mark Austin is not content with a free homicide. He wants no restrictions whatsoever. Wants to put it all behind him. Wants to lead a normal life. We are concerned about possible future victims, but we can take a moment to remember the one he already killed. Laura had dreams. She had aspirations. She had a life. Her marriage was a sad disappointment to her. When she left him he killed her, leaving her terrified and bleeding to death in the dark.
Is he a young man who kills by instinct when he suffers a "brief reactive psychosis," or is he a trained, cold-blooded killer? A jury said he was insane. I don't think so. He planned and executed his plan. Public safety must take precedence over any so-called entitlements of Mark Austin. We only have Austin's word that he will get help when needed. History shows he does not recognize this need. When he slips into the next brief "moment of madness," will he kill again as he was trained to do, quietly, quickly, efficiently and brutally?
An appropriate solution might be to place Austin under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board, created as part of the passage of Laura's Law. The board would monitor
Mark Alan Austin has proven with absolute certainty he is dangerous. He can kill, and who is to say he will not kill again?
his activities and mental state for many years. To release him outright would be a real gamble. No one knows with any degree of certainty he will not kill again.
For 25 years, as far as anyone knows, Austin was an upstanding, honest and trustworthy individual, but when faced with a major stressful event he did not seek help when such help was readily available. To take a chance and unconditionally release him would be extremely foolhardy, as well as unnecessary. The results could be devastating. Let's not create the opportunity for Mark Austin to kill again.
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